Rio Ferdinand changes title prediction as Arsenal lead Man City and Aston Villa | Football
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has changed his Premier League title prediction as the race heats up between Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Arsenal, without a Premier League title since 2004, have been favorites for virtually the entire season after their superb start to the campaign.
The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three seasons but have arguably the most complete squad in the league after an impressive summer of recruitment.
And despite numerous injuries throughout their team’s spine, a hard-fought victory against Brighton took Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the New Year table.
Despite this, Arsenal’s lead is far from comfortable, with City and Villa just two and three points behind the leaders respectively.
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And Unai Emery’s side, who have won 11 matches in a row in all competitions, have the opportunity to close that gap completely when they take on the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.
If Villa win or draw against Arsenal, City would have the opportunity to go top of the table when they travel to face Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Pep Guardiola’s side endured a disappointing campaign and a timid defense of their title last season, but have rejuvenated after heavy spending last January and over the summer.
And after winning eight games in a row in all competitions, Ferdinand believes the momentum could start to swing in City’s favor and away from Arsenal, who he tipped to win the title at the start of the season.
“I said Arsenal would finish first before a ball was kicked, but if I was a punter right now I’d go to City,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“I want Arsenal to win it, but at the rate things are going City might just win it now.”
Heading into the new year, Arsenal face a difficult month in the league, with fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in January.
But Ferdinand believes the Gunners’ title race will be defined by their performances and their ability to get results against teams at the other end of the table.
“I think Arsenal had a nice gap but they allowed a few teams to get close again,” he said.
“I think you have to smell the blood. You guys have been pretty close the last two seasons and been beaten, I think you need to smell the blood as soon as possible and go for it.
“It’s easier said than done, but I think you have enough experience without winning to understand what you need to do now. So I think the manager needs to make that clear to the players.
He continued: “You have to bully teams lower or mid table and be relentless and try to be a little tighter against the teams around you.
“This is where Arsenal have always let down against teams they need to win against, especially at critical times of the season.
“You have failed to get this job done and this is an area where you need to change.”
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