Patrice Evra makes prediction over Arsenal ‘bottling’ the Premier League title again
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has predicted Arsenal could still ‘bottle’ the Premier League title race.
There were more twists and turns at the summit of English football this week with Manchester City dropping two points at home to Nottingham Forest, who came from behind twice to rescue a 2-2 draw.
On the same night, Arsenal held firm away to Brighton with Bukayo Saka’s early goal securing another huge win to move his side seven points clear at the top.
City do have a game in hand and the two sides will meet at the Eithad in April. But for now, Arsenal once again have their fate in their own hands.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished second the last three seasons on the bounce, scarred by previous title bids falling by the wayside.
After missing out on the 2023-24 title on the final day of the season, Evra famously quipped: ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix – You always have to wait for the next season.’
The former France international now insists he wants the Gunners to end their long wait for a title, but still has his doubts they get over the line.
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Evra told Stake: ‘People think I hate Arsenal but I just love banter. When I was playing, Arsenal was always an easy team to play against, but times have changed.
‘Man City’s draw against Nottingham Forest is a big boost, and even if Brighton had lots of chances, Arsenal won.
Ray Parlour predicts Arsenal's title charge
The Arsenal legend gazes into his crystal ball as the Gunners prepare for their final 10 league games of the campaign.
Chelsea (H)
These will have been two big games, against Tottenham and Chelsea in a week. If they get through them with two wins, that puts them in a very decent position.
The place will be buzzing. This will be the first weekend in a long time where they have had a week off too so they should start brightly. If you score first against Chelsea, they can crumble. They are a bit flaky at the back and they will give up opportunities. I don’t think too many of their players get into this Arsenal side.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Brighton (A)
Brighton are safe now in the middle of the table, not challenging for Europe, but comfortable. Those are the teams you want to be playing. So I'll go for a win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Everton (H)
You’ve got to have that as a win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Bournemouth (H)
Two at home in a row – I have to go for another win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Manchester City (A)
I always say, against your rivals, and this is what we always tried to do against Man United, win at home and draw away. So I’ll go for a draw. City will need to go out and win the game and we know Arsenal can hit you on the break.
Verdict? Draw
Newcastle United (H)
Newcastle aren’t great away from home and we’ve had good results against them recently. I look at those home games and they have to be wins.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Fulham (H)
This is sounding like a good run in!
Verdict? Arsenal win
West Ham (A)
That could be tricky. A lot depends on where West Ham are by then and if they still have a chance to stay up. It could be tricky. I might put a draw down for that one but it is hard to call at this point.
Verdict? Draw
Burnley (H)
Burnley will probably be down by then so you would expect a win.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Crystal Palace (A)
Oliver Glasner will be leaving so I suppose maybe he will want to go out on a high, especially at Selhurst Park. But they will be safe. they could still be in the Conference League at that stage too which could make a difference.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Will Arsenal get over the line as champions?
If it goes down to the last day of the season, I would be delighted. I know how hard it is to win the league, but the run in does favour Arsenal slightly. This weekend is a very big one, especially for Arsenal.
Ray Parlour spoke to Metro courtesy of BetMGM.
‘This is a sign of a Premier League winner. I’ve been there five times. Some away wins can be very ugly. It was a good chance for Man City to keep the gap close, I don’t think it’s over but that win against Brighton was big for Arsenal.
‘I want Arsenal to win the league, I just hope they don’t bottle it again.
‘People like the joke I made about calling them Netflix, we always have to wait for next season. Come on Arsenal, you can do it this year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they bottle it again.’
Arsenal’s focus switches to the FA Cup this weekend, taking on League One side Mansfield Town.
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