“Arsenal have got every right to be favourites” - Agbonlahor explains why Gunners hold edge over Manchester City in title race next season
Former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Arsenal as favorites in the title race over Manchester City in the Premier League next season. Mikel Arteta's side finished second in the league in the last two seasons, both times by fine margins.
Arsenal enjoyed an exceptional second half to the last season, dropping points in just two games in 2024. Despite that, they finished two points behind eventual champions Manchester City while falling short by five points in the previous season.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that the Gunners could finally beat Manchester City for the Premier League title this season. He insisted that Arsenal's exceptional defence could play a big role in helping them go all the way in the title race. Agbonlahor told talkSPORT, as quoted by TBR football:
“The reason why they are probably favourites is because let’s look at last season, they only finished two points behind Manchester City. People forget that it was tight, it might not have seem tight, but it was. Arsenal scored 91 goals, City 96, Arsenal conceded less than City, 29, City conceded 34, so, you look at those scored and against, and you are like ‘they are scoring goals’, talk about Arsenal needing a striker! Arsenal fans will say no we don’t, we spread the goals around, even though I do think a striker would help them."
The former England international added:
“They are not conceding many goals either, and with Calafiori in there as well, he is going to add more stability to that very good back four already there. So, I think Arsenal have got every right to be favourites and they are going to learn every season."
Mikel Arteta's side have made two signings so far this summer in the form of David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori. They already boast the best defence in the Premier League and Calafiori's addition makes them even stronger.
Arsenal star hails the club's latest acquisition Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has heaped praise on the Gunners' latest summer acquisition Riccardo Calafiori. The Italy international completed a reported £42 million from Bologna following an exceptional domestic season and Euro 2024 campaign.
While discussing his compatriot's move to the Emirates, Jorginho lavished praise on the young defender. The former Chelsea midfielder said, as quoted by Arsenal's official website:
"It's a really good signing. He's a really good young player that will give a lot to the team. He's a very professional guy, he is hungry to learn and humble. He has a lot to add and grow and learn and I think it's going to be a good connection."
Mikel Arteta has a wealth of options in his backline and Calafiori's addition will make the Gunners even stronger as a defensive unit.