‘They’ve got what it takes to go all the way this time’ – Mikael Silvestre on Arsenal’s title challenge | OneFootball

Former Arsenal player Mikael Silvestre believes the Gunners have all the tools needed to win the Premier League title this season.

Speaking exclusively to HaytersTV at the World Football Summit, Silvestre said Arsenal have finished second too many times, but this could be the season that changes.

“The main focus will be the league because they’ve been finishing second too many times. And this year, with the deficiencies of Liverpool and other teams, I think their main opponent will be Manchester City. So I think they’ve got a big chance. They’re ahead now and hopefully it can stay that way for them.

“It’s a lot of things put together that make the team click. They’ve had that in the past, but to cross the line and to become real winners, they had some issues with injuries and the lack of firepower up front. But now the bench, you see, is very powerful. They have many players missing, also at the back, but I think every position is covered. And I think they’ve got what it takes to go all the way this time.”

A core part of Arsenal’s squad depth is now their youngsters. Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all very important players for Mikel Arteta, and Silvestre credits the great work that the academy do in bringing these players through.

“The academy of Arsenal, especially since Arsene Wenger took over, became even more professional. Now I know Per Mertesacker and all the staff are doing a great job. And I’m not surprised to see all these youngsters.

“What is quite unique is the maturity they show as soon as they come to the first team. It’s very impressive. And it’s credit to everybody involved because it doesn’t take one coach. They go through the pathway and it looks like it’s working well, as well as scouting, and it’s important. 

“In London, even though you have a big pool of players, you still need to pick the right ones that fit on the pitch, but also mentally, because that’s where the difference will be made to go to the top.”