Lee Sharpe: Arsenal still firm favourites for Premier League title

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has told NewBettingSites.uk that he believes Arsenal are still firm favourites to win the Premier League this season, despite dropping points against a Chelsea side reduced to 10 men.

Sharpe was positive about the Gunners’ title chances in the wake of their draw at Stamford Bridge, but warned that Manchester City are likely to be on their tails heading into the latter stages of the season and City’s title-winning experience could once again give them the edge over Mikel Arteta’s side.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Sharpe said: “Even after only managing a draw against a Chelsea team down to 10 men, I still believe Arsenal are firm favourites for the Premier League title.

“Sometimes it can actually be harder to play against 10 men when they go more defensive, especially in a big game away from home when the crowd are riled up. Fair play to Chelsea, they look like a very strong team and they made it hard for Arsenal. They deserved to get at least a point.

“I still think Arsenal are favourites, without a doubt. That said, losing those two points at Stamford Bridge against 10 men will feel like an opportunity missed, especially with Manchester City winning to keep themselves in the mix.

“They’re only five points behind Arsenal now and when it comes to crunch time at the end of the season, City will be a big threat because they know how to get the job done. We all know Arsenal don’t have that experience of getting across the line and it will take a big effort by Mikel Arteta and his team to finally go all the way.

“It gets incredibly nervy in those last six or seven games and Arsenal will need to find a way to get through that, which they have failed to do in previous seasons. City have been there and done it on multiple occasions, and it could get really close.”

Chelsea will have their say in the title race

Sharpe believes Chelsea are more equipped to challenge for the Premier League title this year and he expects them to be in the fight at the end of the season.

“Chelsea will have their say in the title race this season,” said Sharpe. “They’re a really good side and they look like being more serious title contenders than they were last season.

“Enzo Maresca has done a brilliant job, not just this season but last season as well. He came in to a squad of 50-odd players and had to work out who he wanted and who he didn’t. We all knew consistency would be an issue last season because they were a young team who were still gelling and learning how to play with each other. They ended up having a successful season, finishing in the top four, winning the Conference League and then topping it off in the summer with the Club World Cup.

“The difference this year is that more is expected of them, which changes the mentality a bit and increases the pressure on you. I certainly think they have a squad capable of contending for the title, but whether it’s deep enough to compete on multiple fronts and stay up there with City and Arsenal, only time will tell.

“It’s always tough at this time of the year when there are so many games, and Moises Caicedo’s suspension won’t help because he’s been one of their best players, if not the best. That said, they’re very well organised, they’ve got some real quality in the squad and they look strong at both ends of the pitch.”