“I’m a believer now!” Joe Cole makes Arsenal U-turn as he revises Premier League title prediction

“I’m a believer now!” Joe Cole makes Arsenal U-turn as he revises Premier League title prediction

After previously dismissing Arsenal’s chances, Joe Cole now believes they have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League title.

The ex-Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Ham United star wasn’t convinced Mikel Arteta’s men could compete at the top of the table with Manchester City, but he now admits the Gunners have proven him wrong.

Arteta has only lost one game this season and has won the other eight, including a statement-making 3-2 victory over Liverpool last Sunday.

“I’m a believer now,” the former England international declared on BT Sport.

“We’ve seen them trip up themselves so many times over 10 years, you always want to have another look and another look, but the process Mikel Arteta is talking about for the last 12-18 months is starting to bear fruition.

“The young players, the ones coming in, are delivering it. It looks like a well-oiled machine. Exciting times for Arsenal fans.”

Arsenal’s form, which includes three Europa League victories to start their continental campaign undefeated, has everyone talking about their domestic title chances.

After nine league games, the Gunners are one point ahead of champions Manchester City heading into Sunday’s trip to Leeds United.

Arteta, who was under fire this time last year, is getting a lot of credit, and Cole singled out one aspect of his management that has paid off this season.

“We talk about continuity under Arteta,” the 40-year-old pundit added.

“He’s always, of the big hitters, using two, three or four in European games, bringing in lads around him. To continue that performance.”

In contrast, ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore claims that Arsenal have “no chance” of lifting the trophy come May.

“I understand why some fans are excited to see what Arsenal can do,” Collymore told CaughtOffside.

“But there is no way they’re going to go on an emphatic 38-game run, similarly to what we saw happen between Liverpool and City last season – no chance.”

When asked who his team’s main rivals were, Man City manager Pep Guardiola snubbed Arteta and co.

“Liverpool have always have been,” Guardiola stated ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering clash between the two clubs at Anfield.

“I know the quality they have. If it was like this with 10 games left, I would say I don’t think they can catch, but now anything can happen. It’s always difficult in the years since we have arrived here together, it will be a tough game and I don’t expect anything else.

“The game will be dictated on the pitch, not by the table, because we are in front of them or behind, not because of those kind of things.

“I know the quality they have, they know the quality we have. If this was with three games left, I would say they could not catch top of the league but with so long left plus a World Cup, anything can happen.”

“I’m a believer now!” Joe Cole makes Arsenal U-turn as he revises Premier League title prediction