Jose Mourinho has delivered a withering five-word dismissal of Arsenal's Premier League title hopes amid suggestions they "always capitulate".
The Gunners are back on top of the table after a 2-0 win over Brighton, with both Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points.
Aston Villa are third after a come-from-behind win at Brentford while Tottenham, who spent time at the summit earlier this season, are six points off their north London rivals.
But Mourinho feels Arsenal will again miss out on the title after last season's historic collapse, with City's squad superior and Liverpool the likelier closest challengers come May.
Asked by John Mikel Obi on his 'The Obi One Podcast' who will win the Premier League, Mourinho replied: "Man City 51 [per cent] and Liverpool 49."
Mourinho on Mikel Obi’s Podcast-
— TXT (@txt_mag) December 18, 2023
“Man city has a 51% chance of winning the EPL, Liverpool 49%”
No Arsenal?
Mourinho: Nah pic.twitter.com/GYS7BSnxBq
When asked if Arsenal are in the conversation, Mourinho pulled a face and simply replies "nah " prompt laughter from the former Chelsea player, who added: "The rivalry is still there!"
Mourinho clarified: "But it is not the rivalry… it isn’t the right moment [for them]."
When Mikel pointed out that Arsenal "always capitulate", Mourinho replied: "Honestly, rivalry apart because I can do it, I would like them to win, I would like a third [team in the title race].
"Of course Chelsea is not going to win it, that’s out of the question, so I don’t think about Chelsea. Of course Manchester United is not going to win it, I don’t speak about Man United too, so it’s going to be these three and out of these three I would be happy for Arsenal to do it.
"I would be really happy to [see them] break a little bit that thing, but I think it’s 51-49 [between City and Liverpool]. And I say 51-49 because when the accumulation of matches are coming, Man City has two teams!"
