Jérémie Aliadière: Arsenal have never looked so ready to win the league

Former Arsenal striker Jérémie Aliadière has told WhichBookie that he believes this season is Arsenal’s best chance of winning the Premier League in recent years.

Speaking exclusively to WhichBookie, Aliadière said: “I definitely think this is the best chance Arsenal have had of winning the Premier League in recent years. They have never looked so prepared to challenge for the title in terms of squad depth and quality. It was a tough start to the season on paper, but they have managed it really well.

“I obviously can’t see into the future and the Premier League is such a long battle but, so far, I see Arsenal having a really great chance of winning it. They will have to deal with playing big games in the Champions League as well, but they look more prepared than ever to do that while still getting results in the Premier League.”

Arsenal face a tough task hosting Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday in a bid to stay top of the Premier League. You can view all upcoming fixtures, along with WhichBookies predictions on our Football previews page.

Arteta knows he must win a trophy this season

Aliadière suggested that Arteta could be under serious pressure if he doesn’t win a trophy this season, adding that he believes the Arsenal manager is aware of what is expected of him this year. 

There are several big names lined up to replace Arteta should he not deliver with several UK bookies providing next Arsenal manager odds.

“It’s fair to say Mikel Arteta needs to win a trophy this season and I think he knows that himself,” he said. “He’s had the backing of everyone at the club for years and now everyone is hopeful that he can deliver the title.  When you look at the Arsenal squad now, it’s probably the best in the Premier League. 

“He has had a few years of being so close and finishing second, now he knows what he has to do to go and win it. From what I’ve seen this season, he is starting to do things differently in terms of rotating the squad and making substitutions to change games. 

“I can’t see any negatives at the moment and I think this will finally be the season that Arsenal win the Premier League.”

Viktor Gyökeres doesn’t need to score for Arsenal to win the title

Although he believes Viktor Gyökeres will start scoring more frequently for Arsenal, the former French forward doesn’t feel the club need him to contribute a significant number of goals in order for them to win the league.

“I am 100% sure that Viktor Gyökeres will start scoring more goals,” said Aliadière. “That said, I’m not certain Arsenal even need him to start scoring more for them to win the Premier League. Even if he doesn’t manage to score 20 goals this season, Arsenal have enough players contributing to win it. The goals will come for him, but he doesn’t necessarily need to go and score 20 or 25 for them to win the title.”

Ekitike should start over Isak

Aliadière believes fellow countryman Hugo Ekitike deserves the starting spot over big-money signing Alexander Isak, as his goals were winning them games before the Swede arrived.

Aliadière said: “I feel for Arne Slot having two expensive strikers to keep happy up front, but at the end of the day, Hugo Ekitike deserves to start. He began the season so well, and then they went and spent £130m on Isak. Where does he fit? Isak has to get match fit so he has to get some gametime, he’s not going to just sit on the bench all season. 

“Let’s not forget that aside from those two players, you’ve got the best player in the league from last season, Mohamed Salah. Slot can’t just start to play in a 4-4-2 formation and tell Salah he needs to play more defensive just to accommodate the two strikers. It’s a tough job to manage that. 

“If I were Ekitike, who was the main guy at the start of the season with plenty of goals and contributions, I’d understand Isak needs some gametime, but I’d be annoyed to be stuck on the bench. He was winning them games early in the season. It’s hard to get the balance right, particularly with two big players like Ekitike and Isak. Slot must manage their egos as well.”

Liverpool remind me of PSG’s Neymar, Mbappe and Messi era

Commenting on Liverpool’s recent struggles, Aliadière likens the current squad to that of PSG when they had Messi, Neymar and Mbappe, emphasising that having the biggest names in the starting XI doesn’t necessarily transfer into winning games.

Aliadière said: “I compare this Liverpool side to Paris Saint-Germain when they had Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. You buy all of these superstars which excite the fans, but does that mean they’re going to gel and work well together? 

“The signings are also going to upset Salah. He’s the main guy at Liverpool and they’ve done everything they can to keep him. He’s broken various records and has been the best winger in the league for some time. Bringing in all these new players who want to score goals won’t align with what Salah wants. 

“It was the same at PSG. The team sheet looked great, but it didn’t work. At the moment, whatever Liverpool are doing isn’t working and they’re struggling. 

“Intelligent players and great players can work together and it’ll take time, but it’s time they don’t have right now. Arsenal and Manchester City are going to keep winning games and if Liverpool can’t get back on track, they’ll be out of the title race within the next five weeks. Slot must find a way to fix things and keep everyone happy.”