Dimitar Berbatov is backing Arsenal to end their 20-year wait for a Premier League title.
The Gunners closed the gap at the top to two points by beating current leaders Liverpool 3-1 at the weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side remain in third with reigning champions Manchester City level on points with Arsenal, though with a game in hand.
The Gunners have not won a league title since the Invincibles were victorious in 2004, but former Manchester United striker Berbatov believes they’re now favourites having run City close last time out.
“We now have a three-horse race for the Premier League title,” the Bulgarian told Betfair. “I was hoping that Aston Villa would disrupt Arsenal, Liverpool, and Man City but unfortunately, despite their 5-0 win over Sheffield United, Villa have dropped points in games I expected them to win.
“Arsenal are in a great position after their win over Liverpool and if they correct the mistakes from last season, then I think they’re in the best position to win the Premier League.
“You can’t say anything is finished because Man City have a lot of experience. They came from behind last season so know what it takes to lift the trophy.”
Arsenal have now won three games in a row to get their season back on track after ending 2023 with just one victory in five.
The north Londoners are also yet to taste defeat against any of their ‘big six’ rivals this season, with clashes against City, rivals Tottenham, and Manchester United still to come before the end of May.
Liverpool recently had an eight-point gap at the top but the Gunners and City have hauled themselves back within touching distance of Jurgen Klopp’s side. Indeed, Pep Guardiola’s men could move to the summit when they host Everton on Saturday lunchtime ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Burnley.
But Berbatov, 43, isn’t looking past the Gunners, who visit West Ham on Sunday.
“Despite Liverpool’s loss against Arsenal, the Reds are still a force to be reckoned with and they’ll fight to the end too, but at the moment, Arsenal are the team for me,” the ex-Tottenham and Fulham ace added.
“If they stay smart, I think they can win the Premier League.”