BACARY SAGNA NAMES THE TWO GAMES THAT WILL COST ARSENAL THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE
Bacary Sagna says Arsenal deserve ‘a lot of credit’ for mounting another title challenge but has highlighted the two games he believes will end up costing his former club the Premier League.
Barring an unexpected slip-up from Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s side will go on to win a record fourth successive league title at the expense of Arsenal.
City are one point behind Arsenal but, with a game in hand, have the title race in their own hands as they look to maintain their stranglehold over the Premier League crown.
Guardiola’s side return to action on Saturday against Fulham, before facing Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham and then hosting West Ham on the final day.
Arsenal, meanwhile, visit Erik ten Hag’ struggling Manchester United on Sunday before a final-day clash with Sean Dyche’s Everton.
The Gunners will be praying Fulham can do them a huge favour tomorrow but Sagna believes it was two results against the Cottagers that will ultimately see Arsenal fall short in the title race.
Arsenal have amassed an impressive 83 points from 36 games this season but may look back at their two games against Fulham with regret.
Back in August, Mikel Arteta’s side dropped two points at home to Fulham in an entertaining 2-2 draw. The west Londoners then stunned Arsenal in the reverse fixture on New Year’s Eve, winning 2-1 to leave the Gunners fourth.
‘It’s difficult to explain what Arsenal need to do to win the league – they have the quality in every single position,’ Sagna, who played for both Arsenal and Man City, told Paddy Power. ‘They’ve been consistent and they’re having a great season.
‘The only thing they might regret is losing to Fulham away and drawing at home. For me, that was a turning point – they dropped important points in those two games.
‘Arsenal are a top team, but they ended up losing and drawing games they should’ve won. They’ve been more mature, but those games will cost them a lot.
‘They are still in contention; they’ve managed to be up there, and they deserve a lot of credit. A few years ago, they were standing in the same position as Manchester United are in today. The club is back to its best.’
Arsenal continue their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford on Sunday and Sagna insists his former club ‘cannot afford’ to leave Manchester with anything but three points.
‘That will be a tough game for both teams,’ he added. ‘I was watching the game last season – Arsenal were in control of the game and then they ended up losing.
‘Arsenal are able to win against anyone; they have such great players, an amazing coach, and they will do the maximum to go there and get those three points.
‘They don’t have any other option – they cannot afford to have a draw. It’s better to start with a clear mind than not knowing if you need to attack or defend. If Arsenal want to be champions, they have to win all their remaining games.’
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2024-05-10T11:01:33Z dg43tfdfdgfd