Jason Cundy: ‘I’d hate it, but Arsenal will win the Premier League’

Ex Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur defender Jason Cundy has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League, despite admitting that he would ‘hate’ to see the Gunners get their hands on the title.

Mikel Arteta’s side fell short by 10 points to champions Liverpool last time out and are already two points behind Arne Slot’s men after six fixtures this season. Arsenal picked up a big scalp in a dramatic late win over Newcastle United last weekend with the Reds dropping points against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal last won the Premier League title in 2004 and it is Arteta’s mission to end that excruciating period without the trophy. The club invested heavily in the summer under the watchful eye of new technical director Andrea Berta with marquee signings arriving in every position.

Jason Cundy makes bold Arsenal prediction

Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy clashed with co-host Jamie O’Hara when sharing his belief that Arsenal have all the attributes to go and finally win the title under Arteta, as well as coming close to tasting triumph in the Champions League.

He said: “There’s a little bit more about the whole body of work that Arsenal have put together right now. I feel they are better placed to go and win the title. The Champions League is different because you can have a bad 10 minutes and go and lose the Champions League. You don’t have a bad 10 minutes and lose the Premier League. If you’re good enough you’ll win.

“They might have a bad refereeing decision, there might be a bad decision defensively, but over the course of this year Arsenal go deep in this competition [Champions League], and they are going to go very, very close. I think they’ll win the Premier League.”

The Gunners ‘are a problem’ for Premier League rivals

Arsenal edged past Olympiacos in their latest Champions League outing on Wednesday night, leading by just one Gabriel Martinelli goal before an injury time strike from Bukayo Saka. The Gunners have won both of their first matches in the competition.

Despite that form, O’Hara protested against Cundy’s prediction and labelled it ‘garbage’ that Arsenal could be considered favourites to win the Premier League. As the debate got heated, Cundy bit back, admitting that his prediction came against his desires as a Chelsea fan.

He said: “They are good enough, mate. They are. When everyone is fit, they are a problem. What are you laughing at? I’m a Chelsea fan and I would hate nothing more than Arsenal win anything, but come on and be fair.”

In other news, 'Felt something' - Mikel Arteta issues injury update after fresh scare during Olympiacos victory.