Martin Keown has risked the wrath of Arsenal fans after suggesting Tottenham have a better chance of finishing in the Premier League top four than the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta's side recorded a crucial 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime thanks to Bukayo Saka's first-half effort. The north London side dominated proceedings and squandered several chances to put the game beyond doubt, before a late rally from the hosts.
Arsenal bounced back from the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in midweek with their sixth victory in seven games. That puts them four points clear of Manchester United in fifth, with Arteta's men still having a game in hand to play.
Tottenham are a further two points back in sixth, albeit having played the same number of games as their capital rivals. Antonio Conte's side can leapfrog Man United if they beat West Ham on Sunday and close the gap to three points to Arsenal.
But Keown, covering the game as a pundit for BT Sport, praised Arsenal for their recent performances under Arteta. The 55-year-old believes that Spurs hold the best chance of finishing in the Champions League qualification places based on the teams' upcoming schedules.
"There’s a lot of games to go, and I still put Spurs as favourites to make it into the top four," he said after the game. "Arsenal are in the box seat I know, but when you look at the fixtures, games away at Chelsea, Spurs. It’s tough. It’s in Arsenal’s hand and if they keep performing as they are they’ll do it, but it’s a long way to go.
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Arsenal began the season with three consecutive defeats, but since then they have won 17 of their 25 games, with Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey playing lead roles in their recent upturn in form.
And Keown credited Arteta and his players for creating a perfect balance of attacking prowess and defensive resilience in their assent towards the top end of the table.
"It’s been about Arsenal rebuilding their reputation because you do that over many years. If people know you’re a soft touch, they think at some point you’ll fall over," he added. "Now, people are getting a taste of Arsenal. They realise they’re stronger and completely different.
"They’re playing with this nice and constructive football, but they’re also resilient. Gabriel at the back was nice and strong with Ben White beside him. Partey in midfield never really ventured too far.
"So, it’s nice in those departments and all over the pitch you have people doing their jobs, who know their roles and responsibilities, with the ball and without, perfect. They get the job done and clear of him with three points in the bag."
Arsenal's squad will head off for the two-week international break before returning for fixtures at home to Crystal Palace on April 4 and away to Brighton five days later. With Chelsea and Man United still to play before the end of the season, Arteta will be hoping to get maximum points from both fixtures.
