Cesc Fabregas now makes bold Premier League prediction for Arsenal

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has praised the current side, backing them to challenge at the top of the Premier League again.

Arsenal were impressive last season as they challenged Manchester City for the title, and having spent heavily this summer, the expectation is that they will be right up there again in this campaign.

Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and David Raya have all joined this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side are now faced with raised pressure and Champions League football.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Fabregas claimed that the side will be even better than they were last season, when they finished second.

“Arsenal will compete for the title again; they are stronger than last season,” he stated.

Although Arsenal have won two of their opening three games, the mood around the club is different to how it was this time a year ago.

The raised expectations on the team has increased the pressure of each result, as fans know that carelessly dropping points in games like the Fulham one should be avoided when trying to compete with Manchester City.

Last year the expectations of challenging for top four were blown away by the title charge Arteta’s side embarked upon, but this year the team will be held to higher standards, whilst also competing in the Champions League.

Whilst it is tough to look beyond Man City as champions again, Arsenal will hope to give them a tougher fight at the top, and increased quality within the squad, and more rotation throughout the season, will be key.

Arsenal’s lineup picked itself for most of the season, but Arteta has already caused some surprise with his decisions, and given the strong depth within the squad now, he should aim to shuffle his pack when the Champions League fixtures pile up, and keep his bench fresh.