Lianne Sanderson expects Arsenal will still finish above Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table this season, despite some predictions that Spurs could challenge for the title.
Arsenal backed to finish above Tottenham in Premier League table prediction
Lianne Sanderson has told talkSPORT that Arsenal should finish above Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this season, and that people are ‘getting carried away’ by predicting Spurs to challenge for the title after a busy summer transfer window under Antonio Conte.
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The Italian has welcomed six new players to north London so far this summer as he bids to improve on Tottenham’s fourth-place finish last season. Conte’s side edged Mikel Arteta’s Gunners for the final Champions League group stage paying position by a mere two points.
But Sanderson notes Arteta has also strengthened his ranks at the Emirates Stadium across his five done deals to date. Gabriel Jesus has moved to the capital in a £45m transfer from Manchester City. While Oleksandr Zinchenko followed the Brazilian in a £32m deal, as well.
Richarlison has been Tottenham’s big-ticket addition of the window thus far, having joined from Everton for £50m, rising to £60m. The Brazilian could now make his competitive bow under Conte when Spurs visit Chelsea on Sunday after missing their opener via suspension.
Jesus impressed on his Premier League debut for Arsenal during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. While the striker did not find the back of the net, he shone at Selhurst Park with a great work-rate, close ball control and a relentless ability to cause the Eagles issues.
Lianne Sanderson quashes claims Antonio Conte will challenge for the title
Tottenham began their campaign with a 4-1 win over Southampton, having come from one goal down to triumph at home. None of Conte’s summer signings so far started against the Saints, while Ivan Perisic, Clement Lenglet and £35m Yves Bissouma came off the bench.
Sanderson feels any predictions hinting Tottenham could now push for the Premier League title are naïve, as Arsenal are still a strong contender to finish above Spurs in the standings.
“I think that a lot of teams were inconsistent but I don’t think it’s a success if Arsenal come fifth,” Sanderson said. “They need to progress and finish in the top-four. Arsenal fans will feel that way, too. Everybody thought that they were nailed on to finish in the top-four.
“They might not be nailed on this season, but they’ve strengthened with players like Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko. I still fancy Arsenal over Tottenham.
“I know a lot of people are getting carried away thinking that Tottenham are going to win the league. But I think that Arsenal fans will expect to finish in the top-four, at least.”
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