'Arsenal fans would have taken that' - Peter Crouch says Gunners exceeding expectations despite losing lead
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Published 18/02/2023 at 11:07 GMT
Arsenal's season has been a 'rousing success' despite a recent dip in form that has seen them surrender the Premier League lead, according to Peter Crouch. The former England striker says Arsenal fans would've been delighted to be in their current position before the campaign started, but he doesn't think they will manage to win the title because of Manchester City's superior squad depth.
Arteta on Arsenal's current form and fixture pile up
Arsenal fans would have taken their current situation at the start of the season despite surrendering the Premier League lead, says Peter Crouch, but the ex-England striker thinks the Gunners don’t have the squad depth needed to win the title.
Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a superb domestic campaign so far but were caught by Manchester City in midweek when they lost 3-1 to their title rivals at the Emirates.
Arsenal travel to Aston Villa in the early kick-off on Saturday on the back of a three-match winless run in the league that has seen them drop to second in the standings, behind City on goal difference.
But Crouch pointed out that the north London club have been exceeded expectations so far and shouldn’t be criticised too heavily for the drop-off..
“If you look at them last season to where they are now, even discussing them as title contenders has been a huge turnaround in fortunes,” Crouch told BT Sport.
“People wanted Arteta out last year! We get carried away with half a season. Arsenal surpassed anyone’s aspirations for how they’ve achieved this season. At the start of the season I think top four, Arsenal fans would have taken that.
“Now they’re in a position where they’ve won so many games and been so good that it’s a disappointment if they’ve dropped off.
“But they’re level on points with City, any fan would’ve taken that at the start of the season, it’s been a rousing success.”
City’s superior squad depth has often been highlighted as an argument in their favour in the title race.
Arsenal looked to address the issue in the January transfer window by bringing in Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho, but Crouch still believes it’s an area of concerned.
Asked if the Gunners have the depth to win the title, Crouch said: “No, I don’t think so.
“If you compare it to Man City, I think anyone who comes in – if (Bukayo) Saka or (Gabriel) Martinelli is replaced with Trossard, the centre-halves, (Martin) Odegaard…they’re a weaker side.
“With City, he’s even taken (Kevin) De Bruyne out, which would’ve been inconceivable last year. And the standards don’t drop.
“I think Arsenal’s first XI this season has been as good as City’s, but I think behind that City’s is a far deeper squad and that’s what you need to win titles.”
Manchesterthat's my City travel to Nottingham Forest later on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.
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