EPL 2016/17: Arsenal is the best in London, says Robert Pires
Former Arsenal and France winger Robert Pires has said that the current Gunners squad are fully equipped to challenge for the Premier League crown. The Gunners legend believes the balance in the team is perfect, and with Wenger still at the helm, the club’s long wait for a league title might come to an end this year.
Pires claims the Gunners are the best in London and strong challengers for the title. With London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea right on their tails, Arsenal will have to keep up their winning momentum and maintain their unbeaten run of 15 games since the opening day defeat to Liverpool.
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The North London derby will take place at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday in what will be an evenly contested game, but Pires still believes Arsenal have the edge over their bitter rivals, despite Spurs not having lost to the Gunners since Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment.
Speaking to The Evening Standard, Pires said, “For me yes, Arsenal are the best in London. Chelsea and Tottenham are strong, and the Premier League will be tight this year. I don’t know what will happen at the end of the season, but Arsenal can win the title, of course.
“For me, they are a much better team than Tottenham, but this season Tottenham have a good opportunity to do well.
“They have been playing well, especially when they beat City.”
Pires also believes that Arsene Wenger is the most suitable manager to bring back success to the North London club and said that removing the manager will be a massive risk.
Spurs are unbeaten in the Premier League this year, and the Gunners ambassador feels his former club have what it takes to continue Arsenal’s domination over their North London counterparts and earn the three points at home on Sunday.
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Pochettino’s arrival at White Hart Lane has revolutionised the club and the Argentinian guided them to a third-place finish last season to secure a Champions League berth in his second season in charge. The Argentine has made Spurs a strong candidate for the title this season.
The two North London clubs are separated by just three points before they face each other this Sunday at the Emirates, with Arsenal having a slender 3-point advantage over their city rivals.