Opposition View: ‘There’s still a feeling that Arsenal could win the league…’

How do you think you have started this season?

Not great but not bad. We’re only in November but we know we have to be better when it comes to football on the pitch. 

Arsenal has had a few surprise results already. Are your title hopes over this early?

I don’t think so. City haven’t had the results go their way either and I’m sure the time for Liverpool will happen throughout the season. It’s just a coincidence that us and City have not been as successful as we would’ve liked to have been at the start of the season. 

How far do you think Arsenal will go in the Champions League?

I actually think we have more chances of winning the Champions League than we do with the Premier League. The Premier League is very difficult and comes with shock results but the Champions League has a new format which might come into our favour. I guess we will see soon.  

Many have referenced Arteta’s game play at Arsenal as being similar to Pep’s. Do you enjoy the football you play? 

I do enjoy the football we play. I just hope that we don’t fall down the rabbit hole that City have done with trying to dribble the ball into the back of the net. We play exciting football and score a lot of goals from set pieces so long may it continue.

Arsenal have had a few red cards as well this season. Do you agree with the decisions?

To be honest, if we’re taking away biased opinions, then yes I agree with the decisions. However, the inconsistency of the referees is painful. Players kicking the ball away happens in every match played but do they all get carded for it? Absolutely not. They just need to be more consistent with every club and every player. 

As much as it probably pains you to answer, I do have to ask, how did it feel when West Ham beat you in your own backyard last season?

Well we have to let you enjoy beating us at the Emirates. It was hard to take last season but at the end of the day, you were the better team that night so fair play. 

Where do you think Arsenal will finish this season?

I do think we will finish second this season but there is still a feeling that we will win the league. It’s just praying for the teams around us and their results going our way and not theirs.