Pires reveals why next season will be ‘much harder’ for Arsenal as he predicts five title challengers

Arsenal legend Robert Pires predicts that the Gunners face a tougher challenge in the Premier League next season but says they “deserve” to win the title.

The Gunners are deservedly top of the Premier League, six points clear of second-placed Manchester City but Pep Guardiola’s men do have a game in hand.

to concentrate on compared to the Citizens, who are still in both the FA Cup and Champions League.

Chelsea with the clubs lying in 11th and 8th respectively, while Manchester United are not a threat for the title.

But former Arsenal winger Pires reckons that all of the big sides will be back next year to challenge with the Gunners participation in the Champions League making it harder for them next campaign.

Pires told MyBettingSites: “Of course, in the future, teams like Manchester City, Manchester United and even Chelsea and Liverpool will have better financial possibilities to remain competitive at the highest level, that is clear.

“So next season it will be much harder for Arsenal, especially with the added burden of the Champions League.”

On Arsenal being on the cusp of winning the title, Pires added: “First of all, it’s about Arsenal continuing this run and rewarding themselves with the title.

“They really deserve it. Arsenal would be a fantastic champion. But they need to be able to deal with any minor setback quickly and get right back on the winning track the following game so as not to doubt themselves.

“Now we have to deliver in this final spurt of the season. It will be anything but easy to stay on top until the end because the pressure will be immense and Manchester City are more experienced to handle the pressure.

“Nevertheless, I think Arsenal have a good chance of defending their lead until the end, also because City will put everything on the line to finally win the Champions League.”

Arsenal will once again be without centre-back William Saliba for their trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham on on Sunday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “William is still not available.

“Obviously we need to be cautious because of the injury but he’s evolving well.”