A former pupil of Arsène Wenger’s an now a committed Arsenal fan, Robert Pirès is backing the manager to win the Premier League title this season.

In a six-year stint in north London beginning in 2000, Pirès became an Arsenal legend, winning the league title twice. However, the club haven’t been crowned champions of England since 2004 and Arsène Wenger has come under heavy criticism in recent years.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal and ex-Arsenal player Robert Pires in discussion during an Arsenal training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group F match against Bayern Munich at London Colney on November 3, 2015 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Robert Pirès is regularly at London Colney, and is obviously still close to the Arsenal manager. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The shouts have died down recently, and the Gunners find themselves in the middle of a title race again as we approach the new year. Naturally, Pirès still thinks his old boss is the right man for the job.

“He is the man, he is the manager. He knows everything about football, and has built something with Arsenal for a long, long time,” the 42-year-old said to Omnisport“Of course I hope for Wenger that he will win the title at the end of this season.”

After 16 games, only Leicester City are above the Gunners. The traditional top teams have all been fairly inconsistent at times this season, and the Foxes have capitalised. However, you have to question whether or not they can stay in the race long-term, or if they’ll fall away as the fixtures come thick and fast over Christmas.

With that in mind, Wenger’s side have a small one point advantage over Manchester City as we approach the halfway mark.

“When you look at the table, we [Arsenal] are in a good position,” added Pirès. “Anything is possible this season because Arsenal have played well and are doing well.

“Next Monday they have a big, big game when they host Manchester City. But Arsenal, yeah, they can win the title at the end of this season because; they have a very good team, and very good spirit.

“I hope, and I wish, that Arsenal win the [Premier League] title.”

It’s been a long time coming, but Arsenal are in a strong position to clinch the league for the first time in over a decade this season.

Pirès believes it, and a good result on Monday night would really strengthen his case.