Arsenal legend Sol Campbell believes the Gunners can finally break their duck and win the Premier League title this season, with the former England international playing a decisive role in the Gunners last title triumph 12 years ago.
Heading into this weekend's North London Derby, Arsenal are currently unbeaten in all competitions since the opening day of the season and have won five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
With Tottenham's defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last night condemning Mauricio Pochettino's side to just one win in their last seven, Arsenal are in a strong position to take advantage and Campbell, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, believes this is finally the year for Arsene Wenger's side to lift the title.
“It’s not mentality, it’s just injuries. That’s what has hurt them all these years – key injuries to key players in key moments. Not just a few games out for six months. If they can keep a fit team they can go all the way this season. The fans are desperate to win not just an FA Cup but to go all the way in the league; they want to be going until the last week of the season. They need that and they’re craving for it but so are four or five other clubs.”
“It’s going to be hard for everyone. Last year was the time when Arsenal and Tottenham had the best chance of winning the league. They had the perfect storm. The other top teams all had a disaster in the first half of last season. That hasn’t happened this time. They’re all equipped and focused.”
“Every team has got something in their own way. City at the beginning blew teams away before stuttering a bit. Tottenham have been steady. Arsenal started out blasting then scraped a couple of results so they are there. Liverpool have been industrious and street-like and then you have Chelsea with a new system that Conte seems happy with. They look slick. Manchester United are trying to be involved but something is not there, something isn’t right.”
The title race is one of the most fiercely contested in Premier League history, with Arsenal one of four sides entering this week joint-top of the standings with 23 points, whilst Tottenham are still in the running three points behind.
November has proved to be Arsenal's undoing in the past and the Gunners face a stern test to ensure the same isn't the case this season, with tricky fixtures on the horizon against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
Read the full 888sport interview with Sol Campbell, including how in the groove Sanchez is the man to fire Arsenal to the title.
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