West Ham star now gives his verdict on whether Arsenal are still in PL title race

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Arsenal suffered a bad dip in form before the Christmas break, as back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Fulham jeopardised their title challenge.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into Christmas on top of the Premier League, but a month later, they are in third place, five points behind Liverpool.

Arsenal are currently level with Manchester City and Aston Villa, but City have a game in hand, and many believe that Pep Guardiola’s side are still favourites for the title given their successes in three consecutive seasons.

However, West Ham striker Michail Antonio has now claimed that Arsenal cannot be counted out of the race just yet.

Michail Antonio gives verdict on Arsenal title challenge

Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio claimed that it is too early to write off Arsenal possibly winning the Premier League this season.

“I wouldn’t say they are out of the title race. I think it’s too early to say that,” he stated.

“If they can turn it around with their performances I think it’s a great opportunity for them. It’s like saying City is out of the title race, you would never say that because every year they have gone on a run.

“Arsenal had a blip over Christmas but if they can pick back up, this year nobody is running away with it so I feel like there is always an opportunity. Anything can happen.”

Can Arsenal win the Premier League this season?

It does feel incredibly unlikely, particularly given that Arsenal’s financial fair play difficulties will prevent them from strengthening the squad in the January window.

Arsenal came incredibly close to an unlikely title victory last season before falling at the final hurdle, and Liverpool being back at their best provides an extra obstacle.

However, should Arsenal beat Liverpool in the upcoming clash at the Emirates in early February, then they can definitely be considered challengers this season. Lose, and they could be as far as eight points off the top, and title glory can almost certainly be ruled out.

Man City have had plenty of instances where they have recovered from slow starts to build up a run of consistent wins to secure the title, and look set to do the same again.

Kevin De Bruyne has just returned from injury, and inspired them to a comeback win away at Newcastle. Arsenal are going up against two juggernauts in the title race, and will have to be at their very best on a consistent basis to keep up with them over the next few months.