Wayne Rooney has gone against the general mood around the title race by backing Arsenal to win the Premier League, despite their recent dip in form and Manchester City’s surge.
Arsenal travel to the Etihad this weekend for what could decide everything. A City win would cut the gap to three points, with Pep Guardiola’s side still holding a game in hand.
Given how both teams are trending, many expect City to take control.
Arsenal’s form has raised real doubts. They have lost three of their last five games in all competitions and picked up just one win in that run. Performances have lacked sharpness, and the momentum they built earlier in the season has slowed at the worst possible time.
City are moving in the opposite direction. They are finding rhythm, scoring freely, and building pressure with every result. This is the stage of the season where they usually take over.
Rooney, however, is focusing on the bigger picture rather than recent results.
What do you think will happen when Arsenal take on Man City?
Wayne Rooney predicts Premier League winners
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Rooney was asked to predict how this title race will pan out.
Of course, Rooney knows a thing or two about title races having won multiple honours with Manchester United.
“So Wayne, massive game on Sunday. Who do you think is going to win the Premier League this season?” Rooney was asked.
“Yes, it’s a massive game, obviously, for both clubs. I still think that Arsenal are going to take it. City obviously have to play a couple more results. Arsenal could afford to get draw in that game as well, but I still think that Arsenal will just nick it,” Rooney said.
His point is simple. Arsenal are still ahead, and that matters more than short-term form. Even a draw at the Etihad would keep them in a strong position, and the gap would still exist regardless of the noise around City’s run.
For all of their recent faults, Arsenal are still setting the pace, even if that pace has slowed slightly in recent weeks.
The pressure is obvious, but the advantage remains. City need to be perfect while also relying on Arsenal to slip again. That combination is never as straightforward as it sounds, especially against a team that has spent most of the season at the top.
This is the biggest moment of Arsenal’s season, but if they can get through their trip to the Etihad unscathed, they’re still on course to become champions.
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