Former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke has backed his former club to finally lift the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners have re-established themselves as challengers in recent years under Mikel Arteta, finishing second only to Manchester City in each of the last two seasons.
However, they remain without a top-flight title since their unbeaten 2003/04 campaign, with this their longest gap between titles.
Arsenal look like them this season significant business once again, unbeaten after seven games and only one point behind the first leaders, Liverpool.
Only Man City (17) and Chelsea (16) have scored more goals than Arsenal (15), with no team conceding fewer (6).
Former Arsenal midfielder Clarke backs Gunners for PL glory
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Clarke, a product of the Gunners’ youth team who made nine senior appearances for the club between 1994 and 1996, has been very impressed with what he has seen so far.
Even more exciting is the fact that we have yet to see Mikel Merino’s summer arrival in an Arsenal shirt, while Arteta is also awaiting Martin Odegaard’s return to fitness.
Put it all together and Clarke believes you have the recipe for success.
“What’s most exciting for Arsenal fans is the fact that Arteta has yet to get the chance to pick his strongest XI,” Clarke wrote in his column for talkSPORT.
“When Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard form their midfield, there’s a good chance the team will find another team.
“It’s strange because a lot of the season so far hasn’t gone to plan for the Gunners. Sometimes it feels like a central setback.
“However, with three of the toughest games now out of the way and key players on the way back, I feel more optimistic than ever about Arsenal’s chances of finally winning the Premier League.
Top photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
