Arsenal sent major Premier League title warning amid Mikel Arteta exit hint
Arsenal have been told that if they don't win the Premier League title this season they can forget about it for a few years. In a damning indictment, former Chelsea and Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand believes it's this season or bust for Mikel Arteta's side.
The Gunners have finished second behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons - five points and then two points behind Pep Guardiola's side. The gap has been decreasing but it needs to flip in Arsenal's favour this year according to Bertrand.
Speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes' Gaffer of all Accas event, Bertrand even hinted that Arteta and other big-name players could leave if they do not win the title this time around. He said: "If Arsenal don't win the Premier League this year, then they won't win it for a little while. They're the team that have momentum, they're the team that haven't won the league in a long time.
"It's a little bit like when Liverpool were chasing, and they had this burning desire, going after Man City. Arsenal are similar. They've had a couple of years of being the nearly men, making a lot of noise, putting in great performances, but ultimately falling short.
"They still have that togetherness, that drive and that ambition, but I'm not sure how long that lasts before fatigue sets in. If they don't win it this year, then I think you'll see a few changes at that club, and a bit of fatigue."
Arsenal have started the 2024/25 season well, sitting third in the table, level on points with City and just a point behind early leaders Liverpool under new head coach Arne Slot.
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The Gunners have had to deal with a number of injury problems already this season, having to do without captain Martin Odegaard for much of the campaign already. But they have shown they have a better strength in depth than in previous years.
However, Bertrand does not see them lifting the crown in May.
He added: "I do see City winning it, to be honest. Arsenal will come second, Liverpool will finish third, and Chelsea in fourth."