Wayne Rooney insists Arsenal are ‘favourites’ to win the Premier League this season and says he cannot see the Gunners collapsing despite pressure from Manchester City.
Arsenal restored their eight-point lead over Man City with an emphatic 4-1 win over Leeds United on Saturday.
Defending champions Manchester City thumped Liverpool by the same scoreline earlier in the day but Arsenal responded to maintain their lead with nine games to go.
Man City have a game in hand over Arsenal and play host to the Gunners later in the month, meaning there could yet be some twists and turns in the title race.
But Rooney – who won five Premier League titles at Manchester United – does not expect Arsenal to ‘collapse’ and views Mikel Arteta’s side as ‘favourites’ to be crowned champions.
While Manchester City are going for a fifth league title in six years, Arsenal have not won the Premier League since 2004 and finished just fifth last season.
‘The title race? Nothing would surprise me from Manchester City,’ Rooney told The Times. ‘They could put together an incredible run and still win it but you have to say Arsenal are favourites.
‘Everyone has been waiting for them to drop off but they’ve been top of the league for so many weeks and dealing with the pressure all season. I don’t see a collapse from them.’
England record goalscorer Rooney believes his former club Manchester United will finish third behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
Six clubs appear to be competing for the final two Champions League spots, with just eight points separating third-placed Man United and Liverpool in eighth.
Liverpool suffered another deflating defeat on Saturday – losing 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium – but Rooney believes Jurgen Klopp’s side are ‘capable of going on a run’ and securing Champions League football ahead of Newcastle, Tottenham and Brighton.
Rooney added: ‘The top four? A few weeks ago, there looked a possibility Manchester United could challenge for the Premier League title.
‘Erik ten Hag’s team fell short, but they could still end up with three trophies, and I’m sure will finish in the top four, then kick on after he buys a few players to strengthen in the summer.
‘So Manchester United will be there but I have a suspicion that Liverpool might sneak into it, thanks to the quality of their squad and their experience.
‘They’re capable of going on a run. I see Newcastle, despite the great job Eddie has done, falling just a little short.’
lantah255
0
We know why Rooney is saying that and that will not help his wish, mancity the champions
u ppl know how to give urselves high hopes
kemabcuz
1
Nice
nitabdkru
0
but I think Chelsea is the favorite to win championship next season[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Kkkkkkkk kkkkk God help Chelsea
nitabdkru
0
We know why Rooney is saying that and that will not help his wish, mancity the champions
BARCA2005
3
but I think Chelsea is the favorite to win championship next season[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
FootballArtista
3
Apparently this season Arsenal do not have mediocre mentality, my point is, Arsenal aren't thinking like, even if draw against Liverpool and lose to City and win the rest of the games and City win their remaining games, Arsenal are still going to be a point ahead of City. But I don't see us cracking down; we're rarely dropping points against lesser teams, that's a fact. And above all, we do not have a mediocre mentality therefore we are going with all guns blazing 🔥🔥🔥
fuckyoubonori
0
I think he can run faster than u.. Even now
wanna try btch
Wotelmoy
0
fat dog
I think he can run faster than u.. Even now
fuckyoubonori
0
fat dog
KingEric
1
We're not the favorites but we're gonna win it!!!.
TiyanjaneChalamwendo
6
we shall fight to the last whistle
Lummy372
0
LoL.up Gunners
Nerd_on_the_loose
1
Man needs to stay away from football
Thegame22
1
Ronaldo still looks better than him . We don’t need ur opinion
GilfredJr
2
Arsenal can still drop some points.. They have Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle.. These will not be easy games for arsenal trust me
GilfredJr
5
Rooney will be surprised to see Newcastle winning a champions league spot and Manchester United finishing just on #"5''
tambeorsuz
1
you are right we will be back
ribbdilmn
2
Fair-play from Rooney talking nice about Liverpool and Arsenal. (The other option is also hell for him) all the same kudos to him for voicing the trust has he saw it. I only wish I had the same conviction about by beloved Liverpool squad
IronBorn
0
it's pretty easy to say after 28 games
malablata
0
Man Utd trouble explained in that order, badmouthing to cooking mess make the greatest player to ever play the game abandon them ..... shame
ClemJay
4
Nice comments from Rooney concerning Arsenal's title charge this season but I need to chip in with this anyway, Newcastle will not vacate that champions league position for anyone. all I can say is that there is a high possibility of Tottenham dropping out of the top four for Brighton
quantized
1
Low he still wants Arsenal to bottle things...
kmutize
0
and United still in title race ???????
Stickle
1
Rooney should maybe wait until all of the weekend's game are finished before he speaks. Newcastle!
puyabmpuy
0
The points difference between the leading club and the fourth club in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Liga 23 points but the Bundesliga the difference is only 5 points which means it is the most competitive league in Europe
What do u mean? Epl is weak and not competitive?
caockmostu
0
You forgot Chelsea for the top 4
maybe next season [Crylaugh]
Tehakmnps
3
Arsenal still have Liverpool, Newcastle and Man City amongst others to battle to win the League. They sure can if they believe in themselves.
sekilnotu
1
So man Utd 1 point from last three matches Now pressure will be there on ETH Antony a one eye horse. Only knows one shot. To of the highest paid forwards brought by Utd are the biggest flop Sancho and Antony
Fuocdeklpr
1
at the current form, I see united dropping from top four. It's there already
lawalidris
3
Don't write off City and never underrate Newcastle.By next weekend on Sunday the tone will change again.
Hamza_R
1
The points difference between the leading club and the fourth club in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Liga 23 points but the Bundesliga the difference is only 5 points which means it is the most competitive league in Europe
seria A is more competitive because 2nd and 7th are separated from a short margin
Habcilprsy
1
The points difference between the leading club and the fourth club in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Liga 23 points but the Bundesliga the difference is only 5 points which means it is the most competitive league in Europe
kadakprz
3
You forgot Chelsea for the top 4
Wubcdklmrs
4
After the water reach in my throat the you telling me that the water will reach down