“I’m praying” – Bacary Sagna backing Arsenal to pip Manchester City to Premier League glory | OneFootball

Bacary Sagna has admitted he is ‘praying’ for Mikel Arteta to win the Premier League title, despite his past with Manchester City and enduring affection for both clubs.

The title race has tightened dramatically of late and after Arsenal seemed like they were going to establish a big lead, and with 10 minutes left in Manchester City’s trip to Anfield, the Gunners were on track to move nine points ahead of the Blues.

Two late goals changed the result and Arsenal have since lost points against Brentford and Wolves, bringing the difference down to five points, with City having a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta’s team have responded strongly to their recent slump in form, though. Last weekend, they sealed an emphatic 4-1 win in the north London derby – displaying a performance based on controlled aggression and squad depth.

Manchester City also remain relentless in their pursuit of Premier League glory. The squad depth and tactical versatility of Pep Guardiola’s team keep putting pressure on their opponents.

But for the first time in years, Arsenal appear ready to handle the challenge. Recruitment across successive windows has strengthened their squad, ensuring injuries no longer derail momentum as they once did.

It is against this backdrop that former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has offered a deeply personal perspective. The former France international spent seven years at Arsenal after joining from Auxerre in 2007, making 213 Premier League appearances, before moving to City on a free transfer following the Gunners’ 2014 FA Cup triumph.

“Mikel Arteta is the man for the situation Arsenal are in right now,” Sagna said in conversation with Ladbrokes at the launch of ‘Ladisfaction’, as relayed by Metro Sport.

“When you see that Arsenal have finished second for the past three years, anyone who has played in the Premier League knows how difficult it is to maintain that level and keep fighting for titles over such a long period of time.

“Man City, for those first couple of seasons, were out of reach due to the depth of their squad. Arsenal have been able to build up slowly and add depth with every transfer window, and this is why they’re now in the position they’re in.”

Sagna highlighted the structural evolution under Arteta and former sporting director Edu. “In previous years, if one player from the starting eleven was injured, it would have a huge impact,” he added. “But now there is cover in every position and so much quality on the bench.

“The team is so good, and that’s down to Mikel. He started with Edu, and he built this team into what it is today, and got the club challenging again. I’ve witnessed it up close, because I was travelling with the team in pre-season.

“I can tell you, regardless of what’s going to happen between now and the end of the season, Mikel is going to remain the manager in charge of the situation, and he’s going to have a long streak with Arsenal.

“I’m praying for him to win the league this year, honestly. He deserves it because of the way he treats people. He treats people equally and gives people opportunities. Whether it’s on or off the pitch, he gives people the chance to bring something else to the game.

“He has a human side that not many people have. Pep (Guardiola) has a human side too, even when people are criticising him, Pep has a big heart. But Mikel is the same.”

Despite his spell at City, Sagna made clear where his emotional ties lie. The Frenchman said: “I have a lot of love and respect for both clubs. Of course, I am more Arsenal orientated, because I played there for seven years.

“I had a strong history with Arsenal, my kids were born while I was playing there, I also lost my brother while I was playing for them and they’ve always been like a family for me and been nothing but supportive. So I’m very affectionate towards Arsenal.

“But I also have massive respect for Man City. If I had to choose one of them to win the league this season, I might go for Arsenal, because Man City have won it so many times over the last few years, and it won’t change anything for them, for me they will still remain the best team in the world over the past five years.

“So, I would like to see a change, and I would like to see Arsenal finally rewarded for a lot of hard work that’s gone into the last few years. Those fans have shown me a lot of love, and so I want to see them celebrating at the end of the season. And then I’ll go back to 55% Arsenal, 45% Man City!

Sagna’s loyalties may be split as the season comes to a close but his hope for the Gunners is clear. He is confident that Arsenal possess the necessary structure and character to prevail in a title race where narrow margins are crucial.

For Manchester City, the noise from outside changes little. Their squad depth, experience in close title races and ability to handle pressure will be crucial in the last few weeks.

Regardless of the emotional narratives surrounding the title race, Manchester City will approach it by focusing on each game individually and relying on a system that has consistently proven effective when it matters most.