“Their title hopes really come down to what Manchester City do” - Chris Sutton makes prediction for Arsenal vs Wolves
BBC Sport's Chris Sutton has predicted Arsenal to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 in their upcoming Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday (August 17). However, he warned the Gunners that their title hopes are dependent on Manchester City's form this season.
Mikel Arteta and Co. are looking to win their first Premier League title in 20 years. They have closely contested Manchester City over the past two seasons but have fallen just short at the final hurdle.
Arsenal have looked promising during pre-season, winning three out of their five friendlies, including wins against Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United. They will seek to continue this momentum against Wolves, with the Gunners losing just one league game out of their last 13 against them, winning eight, and drawing four.
Sutton provided his prediction on BBC Sport, writing:
"Many people are tipping Arsenal to win the Premier League and in some ways I understand why, but their title hopes really come down to what Manchester City do, and if they dip or not. Mikel Arteta's side can not do much more than last season, when they took the title race to the final day, but they really need to get off to a flyer. I think they will."
He added:
"Wolves were another team who faded badly in the final few weeks of last season but their manager, Gary O'Neil, still exceeded expectations after taking charge only days before it started.
"He has got some work to do on his squad because they still need to replace Pedro Neto and Max Kilman, who both left in the summer, and this is a tough game for them to kick off with."
Sutton's Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
"I’d be breaking the bank" - Paul Merson believes Arsenal need to sign Newcastle star to win the Premier League title
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson reckons Arsenal would win the 2024-25 Premier League title if they were to sign Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak this summer.
The Gunners have already bolstered their squad this summer, acquiring David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori on permanent deals as they look to prevent Manchester City from winning their fifth title in a row. They have also been linked with Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino.
However, Merson believes the Gunners would be wise to go for Isak instead. He wrote (via The Boot Room):
“Newcastle have done well to keep Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, at the moment. If I was a Chelsea or an Arsenal, I’d be breaking the bank for Isak. If Chelsea got Isak, they’d be a certainty for a top-four finish. If Arsenal got him, they’d win the league.”
Isak would be a massive upgrade over the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as Mikel Arteta's No. 9. The 24-year-old was in exceptional form last season, netting 25 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.