LFC Legend Talks Down Arsenal Title Challenge: “They have to be almost perfect, I don’t see that happening” | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Title Chances Under Scrutiny: Jan Molby Weighs In

The Arsenal Title Debate

The question of whether Arsenal are genuine title contenders or just another false dawn is one that continues to stir debates across football. In the latest edition of the Molby On The Spot podcast, hosted by Trev Downey, Liverpool legend Jan Molby provides his take on the Gunners’ chances in the Premier League this season. With the title race heating up, many are looking at Arsenal as potential rivals to the established powers, but Molby isn’t so convinced.

Arsenal’s Title Bid: Can They Keep Up?

Arsenal’s form this season has prompted mixed reactions. On one hand, their attacking play has dazzled fans, while others are still skeptical about their ability to sustain a title challenge. The Gunners have shown resilience, securing late victories and grinding out results. But Jan Molby is less impressed by their long-term prospects.

“I don’t think they’ve got enough,” Molby bluntly stated when discussing Arsenal’s ability to challenge for the title. While many have praised their attacking flair, Molby isn’t sold on their depth, particularly in the striking department. He pointed out that “they’ve gone into the season with six attackers, and four of those are injured now.” This is a significant problem for a team hoping to maintain a title push over the course of a long season.

The Impact of Injuries and Squad Depth

Injuries have certainly plagued Arsenal’s campaign. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been sidelined, leaving the team to rely on younger, less experienced players. Molby noted that while “Raheem Sterling and Cha are the only two senior strikers fit,” Arsenal’s reliance on unproven talent could ultimately prove costly.

Trev Downey acknowledged the challenges, mentioning that Saka and Martinelli were expected to return after the international break, but the reality is Arsenal have been forced to dig deep into their squad. “They could be back, but you feel that’s not enough to cover the depth needed to stay the course.”

Liverpool’s Resurgence and Arsenal’s Struggles

For Liverpool fans, the real test for Arsenal may come in their encounters with top teams, including Liverpool themselves. The upcoming fixture at Anfield could prove pivotal for the Gunners. Molby was clear: “They’ve got to go to Anfield, and that’s going to be tough for them.”

Arsenal’s ability to perform under pressure is another point of concern. In a recent match against Leicester, despite struggling to create chances and with Sterling having a “nightmare,” they managed to pull off a victory with two late goals from a midfielder who had yet to settle in the Premier League. But Molby remained unconvinced. “I’d be amazed if he was the solution to what’s required, which is winning a lot of games and scoring a lot of goals.”

The Road Ahead for Arsenal: Second-Place Finish?

While many of Arsenal’s supporters remain hopeful, Jan Molby believes that, despite their promise, the Gunners will fall short in the end. “I think Arsenal, for the third year running, will finish second,” Molby predicted, reflecting his belief that they simply won’t have enough to outlast the top clubs. With a seven-point gap to make up and limited firepower, it’s hard to see them overhauling Liverpool, even with a strong finish to the season.

Photo: IMAGO

The idea of Arsenal being “title pretenders” rather than “title contenders” is one that resonates with Molby. In his assessment, despite their improvements, they’ll find it tough to keep up with Liverpool, especially given the Reds’ strength in depth and their ability to perform in big games.

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dwindling

While Arsenal have impressed at times, it’s clear that they face an uphill battle to maintain a title challenge this season. With injuries affecting key players and questions over their squad depth, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to sustain the level of performance required to overhaul Liverpool. As Molby succinctly put it, “They’ll give it a go, but it’s going to be too difficult for them.”

In the end, Arsenal may yet have a strong finish to the season, but as far as the Premier League title is concerned, Jan Molby remains unconvinced that they can truly mount a serious challenge. The race is still very much open, but the road to the top looks clearer for Liverpool.