Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé explained why Arsenal can lift the Premier League title this season, while also naming two other clubs firmly in the race.
Arsenal last lifted the Premier League title in 2003/04, when Arsène Wenger’s side went unbeaten, winning 26 of 38 matches and drawing the rest. In recent years, Mikel Arteta has rebuilt the team into title contenders, though they have fallen just short of the prize.
Arsenal finished five points behind Manchester City in the 2022/23 season and closed the gap to just two points the following year.
Many expected Arsenal to seize their chance in the 2024/25 campaign after City stumbled, especially with Arne Slot beginning his debut season at Liverpool.
However, Slot thrived in his first season after Jurgen Klopp, guiding Liverpool to finish 10 points clear of Arsenal, who ended runners-up for the third straight year.
The Gunners aim to finally outpace Liverpool and City this season, boosted by sporting director Andrea Berta’s eight new signings.
Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi, in particular, strengthen Arteta’s starting lineup and give Arsenal a strong shot at the title.
The North London club went into the international break disappointed after a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, decided by a late wonderstrike from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite the setback, Mbappé believes the close bond among Arteta’s key players could help Arsenal finally end their title drought.
However, Arsenal must stay wary of their usual rivals, Liverpool and City.
“Of course, Liverpool has to be mentioned first and foremost, as they’re determined to win one title after another,” the France captain told Bild” .
“But I also have high hopes for Arsenal, because the core of the team has known each other for a long time, and that’s a crucial factor in football. And Manchester City is always at the forefront anyway, with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.”
When pressed for a definitive answer, Mbappé said: “That’s tough. Maybe Arsenal, maybe it will be their year. It would certainly be easier to say City or Liverpool.”
Arsenal’s start to the new season
As at the time of writing, Arsenal find themselves third on the Premier League table, having won their opening first two games of the season against Manchester United and Leeds before losing to Liverpool prior to the international break. The Gunners will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Nottingham Forest at the weekend once the international break is over.
