18 February 2024 , 10:53
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John Barnes believes Manchester City and Liverpool remain Premier League title favourites and is yet to be convinced of Arsenal's merits.
The Reds legend believes the Gunners were in a better position to capitalise 12 months ago when Mikel Arteta's side led proceedings before allowing their advantage to slip in April. Arsenal currently sit two points behind Liverpool in second place in the table.
After a stumble over the festive period, the north London team have produced a perfect Premier League record in 2024 and scored three or more goals in each of their last three matches. Included in that was a 3-1 win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Barnes is uncertain that Arsenal have the grit to prevail in matches where they are not playing well however. He believes that could yet see them falter at the business end of the season
"City are the favourites, I make Liverpool the second favourites,’ Barnes said on Premier League Productions. "Arsenal were in a better position last year, but I’ve said since the Premier League started: March, April is when you really start to look at who the runners and riders are, because you have teams like Aston Villa and Tottenham who [looked like contenders] six weeks ago.
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"When you’re coming into the end of February/March, it’s all about can you just get a result, and Man City are all conquering, all dominant in that respect. Liverpool for me are the closest challengers because there are certain games where Liverpool have’t played well but have got a result.
(PA)"Arsenal have to play well to win and if they don’t play well they may not win, and that is why as much as they’re doing well now I still think it’s between Man City and Liverpool.
"Liverpool winning today is going to put the pressure on. Man City will handle that pressure. City won’t get nervous that Liverpool are getting away from them because they are such an incredible team. Liverpool playing first will affect Arsenal but not Man City."
In the end it was Manchester City who dropped points as they came from behind to draw with Chelsea at the Etihard Stadium, while Arsenal prevailed 5-0 winners away to Burnely. Four points separate Liverpool in first from Man City in third, with the Citizens still able to overtake Arsenal should they win their game in hand.
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