Arsène Wenger, the man who last guided Arsenal to Premier League glory two decades ago, believes Mikel Arteta’s current side is finally ready to reclaim English football’s top prize.
The Frenchman, who masterminded the club’s legendary unbeaten campaign in 2003–04, told beIN Sports that this season feels different, and he sees no reason to doubt Arsenal’s credentials.
“Yes, without any hesitation,” Wenger said when asked if Arsenal could win the title. “You might say I say that every year, but I believe this year they are really equipped to deal with any problems.”
Arsenal have finished runners-up for three consecutive seasons, each time falling short to Manchester City. But with Pep Guardiola’s side appearing less formidable and Liverpool stumbling through an inconsistent campaign, optimism is returning to north London.
Wenger pointed to the Gunners’ squad depth as a key difference between this season and previous ones. “When they lost Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka last season, it was too much, but this year they have [Noni] Madueke, [Eberechi] Eze, [Gabriel] Martinelli, and [Leandro] Trossard,” he said.
“At the back, they have replacements everywhere. [Myles] Lewis-Skelly doesn’t even get in the team and he’s an England international.”
The 74-year-old also took a thinly veiled swipe at Liverpool’s tactical improvisations, noting, “I watched them against Chelsea; Szoboszlai was at right-back and Gravenberch was centre-back. Arsenal would not be in that kind of position.”
Still, Wenger refused to count Liverpool out entirely. “Sometimes players need time,” he said. “They have the talent, Isak and Wirtz, but they must go through tough periods to rebuild confidence.”
For Arsenal fans, it is as close as they’ve come in years to hearing the voice of belief from the man who built their golden era and perhaps, at long last, the next one is within reach.
