Granit Xhaka is convinced Arsenal can produce a “special year” under Mikel Arteta this season by winning the Premier League title.
Arsenal have not won the Premier League since the famous Invincibles campaign of 2003/04 and have not even finished in the top four since 2015/16. But Xhaka thinks his side can maintain their storming start to the season – and should therefore be considered genuine contenders to Man City’s crown.
It can be a special year. If we keep going like we are working at the moment, we can get something big,” the midfielder told the Daily Mail. Asked if that means going for the title, he replied: “Of course. We have to believe in ourselves. If not, why are we playing?”
Xhaka also suggested pundits are playing down Arsenal’s chances, despite the evidence in front of them. A 3-1 derby victory over Spurs and a 3-2 win over Liverpool last weekend are major achievements which he believes are evidence of grit and determination, as well as quality.
“What I hear from people outside, they are saying we are not ready to beat the top six. But we did it twice now,” he added. “We lost at Manchester United, where we were the better team. We need to give credit and respect to Man City [and] what they did the last couple of years. You need the perfect day to beat them. But I think we are ready to have this fight against them.”
