Why Arsenal won’t win the Premier League this year is explained by Jose Mourinho.
At this time last season, Arsenal was also leading City by five points, but the triple champions pulled away in the second half of the season to win the league for the third time in a row. Though he would prefer to see Arsenal make it a three-horse race, Mourinho believes that City’s amazing squad depth enough to field two world-class XIs—will ultimately carry them over the finish line once again. Liverpool will be their closest rival.
On his podcast, The Obi One, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel asked Mourinho who he thought would win the Premier League. He said, “Man City 51 [percent] and Liverpool 49.”Mourinho drew a face and said, “Na,” in response to the question of if league leaders Arsenal were in the conversation. Mikel laughed heartily at the directness of his former manager, declaring, “The rivalry is still there!”
“But it’s not the rivalry, and it’s not the right moment [for them],” Mourinho went on. Mourinho responded, “Honestly, rivalry apart because I can do it, I would like them to win, I would like a third [team in the title race]” to Mikel’s suggestion that the North Londoners “always capitulate.”Chelsea is not a factor in my thoughts because it is obvious that they will not win.
“Of course, Manchester United won’t win it, I don’t talk about Man United either so one of these three will prevail, and I’d be happy for Arsenal to do so. “While I would be overjoyed to see them break that tie a little, I believe the score is 51-49 [between City and Liverpool].
And the reason I say 51-49 is that when the points are added up, Manchester City has two teams. Since they are playing in the Club World Cup until December 27, Arsenal and Liverpool will have an opportunity to close the gap on the champions when they play at Anfield the following weekend.