Arsene Wenger is still backing his former club Arsenal to win the Premier League title despite their recent wobble because of one key Manchester City reason. The Gunners have dropped four points in their last two games, surrendering two-goal leads in both outings, with West Ham following on from Liverpool this past weekend.
In that time, City have picked up maximum points to take themselves within four points of the Gunners, still with a game in hand. Arsenal's visit to Etihad Stadium is also fast approaching with the two title rivals set to battle on Wednesday, April 26, but before that Mikel Arteta's men can rectify their recent poor form.
On Friday evening, the Gunners welcome Southampton, who sit bottom of the Premier League table, to the Emirates Stadium. A victory would open the gap to a guaranteed seven points with Pep Guardiola's side competing in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.
READ MORE: Arsenal told exactly why to complete deal for 'next Paul Pogba' better than Jude Bellingham
Another decisive knockout tie also arrives for City before their clash with Arsenal as they head to Germany to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. Following their 3-0 first leg quarter-final victory, City already have one foot in the next round but a comeback from the German champions is certainly possible, especially under Thomas Tuchel, who has a very good record against Guardiola.
While for the next five days City's priorities are on two different competitions, full focus in north London is on the Premier League title. Although Saints are fighting for their lives, this exact fixture for Arsenal seemingly arrives at the perfect time for them to get their title bid back on track, with Arsene Wenger urging the players to relax and focus on the process despite their recent blip.
"Arsenal and these players have not been in the position to win the league before," Wenger told beIN Sports, via Metro, when asked about the title race. "Hopefully they win it this year and next year it will be easier. But now, when you have never won it, there will be a moment in the season when the tension comes in.
"When you start thinking more about the need to win than the process and how to play, it gets difficult. I felt that at Arsenal when I was there too."
Asked if Man City are now firm favourites to win the Premier League, Wenger replied: ‘No, no, no. I would say Arsenal still [will win the title].
"What you want in this position is to have things in your hand. If Arsenal win their games, they win the league, so that’s an ideal position with a few games to go.
"Of course, Man City have an opportunity when they play Arsenal and that could be the decider in the championship. I still fancy Arsenal, I’m not completely objective here, but I do. We will also have to see how much the Champions League takes out of Man City.’
READ NEXT:
Arsenal given William Saliba injury timeline ahead of Premier League title decider vs Man City
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Arsenal stars can return vs Southampton as William Saliba hope remains
Arsenal handed Premier League title boost vs Man City just when Mikel Arteta needs it most
Arsenal urged to complete Sadio Mane transfer after touching Bukayo Saka moment
Arsenal handed huge injury boost as key defender 'set to return' for crucial Southampton clash
