David Seaman claims Arsenal have a 'great chance' of winning the Premier League
This is likely to finally be the year that Arsenal will be crowned Premier League champions since the last time they did so in 2003/2004, when 'The Invincibles' won the domestic competition unbeaten.
The Gunners fell just short of lifting the title last season despite staying top of the table for several rounds. Hit by injuries, Mikel Arteta's side suffered something of a late-season slump, slipping to second place and seeing Manchester City return to the English top flight.
However, the north London side have not thrown in the towel and have shown that this season they are clear favourites to achieve what they failed to do last year. Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman himself believes his former side have a great chance of winning the Premier League this season, as he said in an interview with Betway Insider.
Beating City, a psychologically a massive moment
The first big test for Mikel Arteta's side was to prove they were clear title contenders by beating reigning winners Manchester City. The Gunners hosted the Sky Blues at the Emirates Stadium on 8th October and claimed a narrow victory thanks to a late Gabriel Martinelli goal. " We won the Community Shield this summer by beating them, but we had to beat them [at the Emirates] or go to the Etihad and beat them there. We’ve done it now, we’ve got three points off them which, trust me, psychologically is massive," said the former England goalkeeper.
Experience of falling short last season could be the difference
As mentioned in the article above, Arsenal came very close to lifting the title last season, but fell short and it was the Cityzens who won the domestic competition for the third year in a row. However, the former Gunners goalkeeper believes the squad has learned from last season's failings and that can make the difference this year. "Take all that into this season and it’s going to be proper this season. I did see a few people that were a little bit nervous last season because they’ve never experienced that sort of pressure, but this time it’s going to be different, hopefully," he stated.
Surprised at how much of an impact Rice has made
One of the key players for Mikel Arteta this season is summer signing Declan Rice, who became the most expensive signing in the club's history. The English defensive midfielder has delivered in his first few games in an Arsenal shirt, earning the praise of legends such as Seaman. "He makes it even better, by a long way. If I’m honest, I’m surprised as to how much of an impact he’s had. The way that he’s playing has shocked me, I suppose," claimed the former goalkeeper.
Fixture v Liverpool is massive for the title race
However, the Gunners face a sour test when they visit Liverpool at Anfield next weekend. Victory over the Reds would be a coup for Arteta's side, who would move four points clear of second-placed Liverpool. "Liverpool are one of the [title] contenders. It’s a chance to show how good you are. You have got to be on your game on that day, there’s no doubt about it, because you’re going to Anfield," Seaman said on the huge showdown.
Robbie Fowler scoring a hat-trick past him at Anfield
The former England goalkeeper knows how difficult it is to win at Anfield, where he conceded a quick hat trick from Robbie Fowler. "I loved it, because it was always a test. I’ve been beaten there. Robbie Fowler scored one of the fastest hat-tricks past me ever, so I’ve got good and bad memories there!" he said.
Having Champions League football back at the Emirates Stadium
Seaman also highlighted the joy for Arsenal fans to see Champions League football return to the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners failed to qualify for Europe's elite football competition for some time. "It’s been great to see Champions League games back at Emirates Stadium again. They’re special nights. We didn’t qualify for quite a while, I think people realised how good it was and what we were missing".
Arteta has similar qualities to George Graham and Arsene Wenger
The Gunners legend was also keen to compare Mikel Arteta to one of the most successful managers in the club's history, George Graham."The qualities I see in Mikel are very similar to both managers. The determination of George, I see that in Mikel, but then the tactical awareness, and awareness of his players," he added.
Finally, Seaman told Betway that his former side have a great chance of finally lifting the Premier League title this season. "Arsenal have got a great chance of winning the league," he stated.