Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has identified Manchester City as the major obstacle standing between his old club and a first Premier League crown in over two decades, warning that Pep Guardiola's reigning champions are perfectly poised to 'hunt them down'.
Arsenal's lead narrows amid defensive injury crisis
The Gunners had opened up a six-point gap at the summit last month following a emphatic victory over Tottenham Hotspur, inspired by midfielder Eberechi Eze. However, their advantage has since been cut to just two points after 16 games, following a dip in form coinciding with injuries to first-choice centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Mikel Arteta's side needed to survive a late scare to secure a nervy win against relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last outing. They face a tricky trip to Everton this weekend as they aim to reassert their authority.
Walcott's warning: City's experience is key
Speaking on the 'It's Called Soccer' podcast, Walcott expressed his belief that the relentless pressure from Manchester City represents the greatest danger to Arsenal's ambitions. "They are a problem. They are a big problem for me," Walcott stated. "City would worry me more because they've been there in this situation before, they've hunted Arsenal down quite frankly and in time they will grind them down."
He contrasted City's proven pedigree with the unexpected challenge from Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who sit third after winning six consecutive games, including a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal earlier this month sealed by Emiliano Buendia's stoppage-time winner.
While acknowledging Villa's threat, Walcott emphasised the psychological edge held by Guardiola's squad. He suggested Guardiola would use the upcoming international break to apply subtle pressure, saying: "Pep is smart... he'll be having words with his players and saying, 'You make sure you get in those Arsenal ears, you make sure you get in those Villa ears, distract them.'"
The 'luck' of champions and the run-in pressure
Interestingly, Walcott also pointed to positive signs for the Gunners, noting they are beginning to display the fortitude typical of eventual title winners. "It shows, for me, that Arsenal are getting that luck that all champions get in time," he observed. "At Arsenal, all of a sudden, something is developing and it's just that positive energy."
Nevertheless, his overarching concern remains the ominous presence of Manchester City, who have beaten Arsenal to the title in two of the last three seasons. Walcott fears the cumulative pressure will intensify as the season reaches its climax in March and beyond.
"It's a big worry for me, it really is. I hate it," admitted the ex-England international. "I'm an Arsenal man... we're talking about the Arsenal globe of fans worrying and that's just going to seep more pressure on. Can this team recognise that pressure and can they actually handle it? They are at the moment."
With City showing signs of returning to their best form after a defeat at Newcastle, and key striker Erling Haaland back amongst the goals, the stage is set for another tense and thrilling Premier League title battle.
