Granit Xhaka remains a cult hero at Arsenal despite leaving the club.
The Swiss midfielder had his problems with the supporters at the Emirates Stadium, but he overcame that and eventually departed as a fan favourite.
After a great spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka returned to the Premier League and joined Sunderland. He even played a part in taking points off the Gunners earlier this season.
However, Xhaka still wants his former club to succeed and has now shared his thoughts on the title race.
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Granit Xhaka backs Arsenal to win the Premier League ahead of Manchester City
Granit Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, and it is clear to see that he still has a lot of love for the club.
The Sunderland star has been brilliant himself this season, but he has been keeping an eye on what his old club and teammates have been doing.
The Gunners are currently in a strong position in the Premier League title race and are the favourites to win it ahead of Manchester City.
Xhaka was asked for his prediction, and he backed his old side, saying that they look like they will win it this season. However, he warned that there is still a long way to go.
He told Capital Sports: “Will they do it? They look like it at the moment, yes! But the season’s very long and I wish them only the best.
“If you spend seven years in a club, it makes you proud. I was proud of this journey as well! I wish that they can get it.”
Arsenal are still under serious pressure despite being in a strong position
Arsenal’s situation is strong, but it is far from comfortable.
Mikel Arteta’s side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in back-to-back games, ending any hopes of a quadruple.
That has left them fighting on just two fronts – the Premier League and Champions League – but it has also increased the pressure to deliver.
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At the same time, Manchester City are starting to find form again. They beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final and then battered Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup.
The Gunners are still nine points clear at the top, although City have played a game more, and they should back themselves to get over the line.
However, another bad result could change everything. If that happens, the pressure could become impossible to handle, and that would be a disaster for their title hopes.
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