Arsene Wenger warns Arsenal that Champions League could cost them Premier League title
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned his former club that their Premier League title challenge this season could be hampered by the club’s return to the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side ended last season five points behind Premier League champions Manchester City last term but a second-placed finish sees them back in the Champions League for the first time in six years.
Arsenal have made a bright start to the new campaign with 10 points from their opening four Premier League games but Wenger believes balancing Champions League football could cost his former club in the title race.
Wenger also feels the injury to Kevin De Bruyne, plus Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona in the summer, could make City weaker this season.
“I felt they [Arsenal] invested serious money in the last four years, they invested a lot of money, but I must say they invested it well,” Wenger said on the Seaman Says podcast.
Arsenal’s Investment
“They still have a young team, a talented team. I think they learned from what happened to them last year. They couldn’t cope well with that, mentally it was very difficult. I’m sure they would’ve learned from that.
“I believe as well that City having lost De Bruyne for a long period and Gundogan, who was a very important player, even if they are a top team I don’t disagree with that, but maybe they can take advantage of it.
“But we have to deal with the Champions League, so that costs points as well.”
Champions League Impact
The Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions in world football and Arsenal have been absent from it for six years. The competition is known for its grueling schedule and intense matches, and it can take a toll on teams both physically and mentally.
The Gunners have been able to focus solely on the Premier League in recent years, but now they will be competing in two competitions at once. This could mean that Arsenal will have to rotate their squad more often and could lead to fatigue and injuries.
Wenger believes that this could be a major factor in Arsenal’s title challenge this season and that it could cost them points in the long run. He also believes that Manchester City’s injury problems could give Arsenal an opportunity to take advantage of their situation.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen how Arsenal will fare this season with the added pressure of Champions League football. Wenger believes that it could cost them points in the title race, but only time will tell if his prediction comes true.
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