07 August 2023 , 11:02
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Gary Lineker has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League, having finished runners-up behind Manchester City last season.
Arsenal led the way for the vast majority of the campaign, before drawing three consecutive games against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton and getting leapfrogged by City when Pep Guardiola's side comfortably beat them 4-1.
However, the Gunners have strengthened their squad significantly this summer, forking out more than £200m to sign Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. And Lineker believes Rice in particular "could make a real difference" for Arsenal this season.
"I'm going to go with Arsenal actually," Lineker said when asked for his prediction on his new 'The Rest Is Football' podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. "A couple of important signings, and I think Rice could make a real difference.
"I think they were unlucky a little bit at the end, losing [William] Saliba was huge for them. It's hard to go against Man City and I haven't done for two or three years, but I just think Arsenal are going in the right direction. Could be wrong, it's a bit of a gamble!"
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Lineker also believes the heartbreak of missing out on the title last season will be a huge benefit this time around. "Rather than demoralising them, going close and missing out last season will benefit Mikel Arteta's side," he added to the Sun.
"Being in the title race has given them an experience that they didn't previously have." Arsenal have already laid down an early marker by beating Manchester City 4-1 on penalties to win the Community Shield and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale branded it a "statement" victory.
Lineker has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League this season (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Mirror Football is now on Threads!
Last season, Arsenal lost three times against City and Ramsdale says they are now "ready to push on" as they look to go one better in the league this time around. "For us it's a statement," he said.
"It's a marker to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it matters. I'm not sure what it will be like this season but that mental block is gone. We're ready to push on now."
And Arteta welcomed Ramsdale's comments, adding: "If Aaron feels it this way, great. It's what the players feel when they are there and they are convinced they can beat any team. We knew the challenge, especially because of their maturity and how often they play finals, but today we showed a real resilience and determination to win and fight the game."