Glenn Hoddle says Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are the ‘real deal’, but he can’t see them winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season, as he made reference to the north London derby against Tottenham this month.
The Tottenham legend added that ‘there is still a question mark’ over Arsenal when it comes to the crunch moments of the season.
It’s a part of the season he thinks Pep Guardiola’s all-dominant Manchester City side have previously proven that they are very good at.
These opening set of festive fixtures after the World Cup break have gone pretty well so far because, whilst the Gunners have picked up maximum points.
Those at the Etihad dropped points at home to Everton, which means that Arsenal are now seven points ahead of the current champions of England after 16 games.
Despite that, and with only one defeat to their name, Hoddle is still backing Man City to secure their third consecutive Premier League title and warned that Spurs ‘aren’t going to lay down and die’ when they meet on January 15, as he told PL Productions.
“Man City have to play Arsenal twice,” said Hoddle. “I do think they are a side, under that sort of pressure, they are used to just raising their game. They can go through the gears.
“They have come unstuck against the likes of Brentford and Everton at home. But I think when the game gets bigger, they play bigger.
“Arsenal are the real deal, as we spoke about, there is no doubt about it and they are very exciting to watch. They have great players going forward. But they will have a little blip. That blip will come, no doubt about it.
“I thought it might be now. I thought Brighton was a tough game and Newcastle will be, then they have to go to Tottenham for the north London derby and Spurs aren’t going to lay down and die. When that test comes, whenever it comes, have they got the mentality and experience? Somebody who can hold that team together when they are a bit under pressure. They have earnt themselves a bit of a cushion if they do have that. There is still a question mark there for Arsenal.”
ARSENAL’S PAST EXPERIENCE
Until Arsenal are in the thick of it again, in that heated moment, no-one will know if they have learnt their lesson of the past.
But the one big positive is that they have been through it last season and it will serve this young side in good stead.
Some might even argue, and it’s a big ask, win both games against Man City and the title is Arsenal’s.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
