Arsene Wenger has predicted Arsenal will still go on to win the Premier League, believing the Gunners can take advantage of Manchester City’s hectic fixture list.
Arsenal sit four points clear at the top of the table but have played a game more than City, and travel to their title rivals on Wednesday night for a match that could well decide the outcome of the title race.
Before that though, Mikel Arteta’s side host Southampton tonight as they look to get back to winning ways after frustrating draws with Liverpool and West Ham. It gives Arsenal the chance to arrive at the Etihad next week with a seven-point advantage, as City are in FA Cup action this weekend against Sheffield United at Wembley.
Pep Guardiola admitted he is concerned that fatigue could hurt his side in that semi-final clash, after his side secured their place in the Champions League last-four in midweek with a 4-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich.
While City are still fighting on three fronts in their bid for the treble, Arsenal have their full focus on the Premier League and the seven games that stand between them and a first title since the 2003/04 season, when Wenger’s Invincibles went unbeaten.
Speaking after City eased past Bayern in Europe, the former Arsenal boss suggested that fresh legs could be the key for the Gunners in the final weeks of the season.
“Arsenal still has their fate in their hands,” Wenger told beIN Sport. “If they win the game (against City) they will win the championship.
“Like Guardiola said tonight City is tired. I felt really they finished tired in the last 10 or 15 minutes (against Bayern) and maybe Arsenal can take advantage of that because Arsenal plays nothing else, just the championship and they play on Friday night (against Southampton) after they have five days to prepare this game.
“Physically they could have an advantage and surprise City that’s what I hope of course but let’s see. I still think we will win it.”
