‘People have sympathy for us’ - Mikel Arteta says neutrals want Arsenal to beat Manchester City to Premier League title

Mikel Arteta has claimed that most neutral fans would rather see his Arsenal side lift the Premier League title in May than “favourites” Manchester City. The Spaniard’s comments came ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, as they prepare to right the wrongs and regain the top spot following a 3-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side in north London on Wednesday night.

Ad He believes “the way Arsenal do things” has helped sway neutral support in their favour, despite his side never being favourites to win the league. Premier League'Only be satisfied if they give me two points back' – Arteta unhappy with PGMOL VAR apology14/02/2023 AT 17:24 “That I agree with,” he answered when asked if rival fans want to see Arsenal win the Premier League.

“Because of what they see, people have a lot of sympathy for us, our players and the way we have done things. “I don't think we have ever been favourites, I don't think that has changed.

Man City have been the No. 1 candidates from day one because they have been in that position for much of the last five years.

“Before the season, if you had to bet on someone, put some money or your house on somebody, I think a lot of people would have done something different [other than Arsenal].” Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake – agent Tributes pour in after Atsu death: ‘A special person’ Bukayo Saka cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne’s opener from the penalty spot on Wednesday night, before second-half goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland sealed the win for Man City. The three points lifted Guardiola’s side above Arsenal on goal difference, but the north London outfit can regain their place at the top of the table — for a few hours at least — with a win over Aston Villa