- Rooney gives verdict on title race
- City face Arsenal on Sunday
- Man United legend backs favourites
Wayne Rooney makes his call on who will come on top in the Premier League this season ahead of the decisive Sunday clash.
One of the most important games of the season is just around the corner. Manchester City will welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium tomorrow in a Premier League crunch match.
The home side have recorded three straight victories, including one against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool in an FA Cup clash and Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Gunners, on the other hand, barely scraped past Sporting CP in the Champions League. Their last game ended 0-0, but a goal in their previous clash saved the Gunners from extra work.
After a 3-0 win against Chelsea, opinions have shifted as the Citizens are under ‘no pressure’, according to pundit Steve Nicol.
However, despite the shift in momentum, Wayne Rooney thinks the advantage still lies with the favourites Premier League leaders.
Wayne Rooney on Premier League title prediction
Mikel Arteta’s side are favourites for the title, but only time will tell who will come on top. Meanwhile, the Gunners’ recent disappointing performances have raised doubts about their chances in the title race.
However, Rooney remains firm as the Manchester United legend has predicted that Arteta’s side will come out on top in the end.
“I still think Arsenal will win it. I think City obviously have to be perfect with all their results. Arsenal could afford to get a draw in that game as well, but I think Arsenal will just nick it,” Rooney told Prime Video Sport.
The Englishman did validate the importance of the game as he started his response with: “Yes, it’s a massive game obviously for both clubs.”
Margin for error remains low for Pep Guardiola
Rooney is right when it comes to the limited crawling space City have. Arsenal are six points clear of second-place Man City, and the Gunners also have comparatively easier fixtures than their rivals after tomorrow.
Even if a draw is played out at the Etihad this weekend, the six-point advantage still stands. The Sky Blues, on the other hand, have no other option but to win for full control.
If Guardiola’s men don’t catch up tomorrow, they’ll be dependent on Arsenal losing at least two or more games to have a chance at the title.
Psychological pressure still on Arsenal
However, for the Gunners, the advantage comes with psychological pressure. The Citizens are not favourites for the title.
Hence, even a loss tomorrow might not harm them as much as it would harm Arsenal. As seen before, Arteta’s side have a history of giving in to pressure.
City, on the other hand, have remained calm on multiple occasions. The game in hand also gives the Sky Blues an advantage if Arsenal start acting up.
