Theo Walcott believes Arsenal can pull off a dramatic Premier League title win despite no longer controlling their own destiny.
The Gunners returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, temporarily reclaiming top spot from Manchester City. While City have a game in hand, Walcott predicts Arsenal will win their remaining five fixtures to clinch a historic title.
“Yes, I do,” Walcott said when asked if Arsenal could defy the odds, win their next five matches and take the title.
“It’s these games I don’t think you’re going to have to get yourself up for, you’re just made for it. These are players that want to make the difference and to create history and to change that pattern.”
Walcott acknowledged the difficulty Arsenal faces, with challenging fixtures against the likes of Tottenham and a resurgent Liverpool looming. Despite setbacks and the pressure of expectation, his belief in this squad remains strong. “City, I feel like Brighton and Tottenham, they’ve got a lot to say,” Walcott said. “Liverpool again, Fulham away, Everton away. There’s some tough fixtures. But Arsenal, I expect them to get the points in those games.”
Jamie Redknapp shares Walcott’s optimism for Arsenal’s future, even if the title slips away this season. “Manchester City are incredible, but they’re not quite the same level,” he noted. Redknapp expects both teams to stumble in the run-in, creating a dramatic climax to the league campaign. “Anything can still happen, like what Manchester City did today by winning that cup game, after the disappointment when they played so well against Real Madrid, was fantastic,” he said.
“I think they showed you everything about that side and the manager and the courage they showed to win that game. But it only takes a slip up. It’s not going to be that easy at this time of the season.”
No success guaranteed this year, but the future is bright
Arsenal’s premature exits from the Champions League and FA Cup have added a note of caution to recent optimism. While the team has shown incredible progress, the possibility of ending the season trophyless still hangs over the Emirates.
However, Redknapp sees a silver lining, boldly stating, “I think Arsenal win the title next year no matter what happens. I don’t care what happens this season, I still think they’ll be my favourites for next season.” He highlights Arsenal’s steady improvement year-on-year and expects them to make a major challenge with additional reinforcements this summer.
Walcott and Redknapp’s differing perspectives highlight the thrilling uncertainty of the Premier League title race. Arsenal might be short on experience at this crucial stage, but their youthful resilience and attacking flair create the potential for an upset. Manchester City remain the favourites with their depth of quality, but signs of vulnerability raise the intriguing possibility that the reign of the 115-charges champions may be coming to an end.
Regardless of how the final weeks play out, Arsenal fans will take heart from the predictions. This young and hungry team appears poised for a sustained period of dominance, with the potential to define a new era in English football.