Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi believes his new club has what it takes to win the Premier League. Despite the disheartening 0-2 loss against Manchester City on the opening day, the 19-year-old midfielder insists the Gunners have what it takes to be crowned champions of the English top-flight.
“Yes, I believe we can win it this season because of the players and staff we have,” the youngster told the Evening Standard.
“We truly believe and will do everything we can to win as many games as we can and to have a fantastic season. I truly believe we can do it.
“Man City are a top team but there are a lot of top teams in this division because the Premier League is the best league in Europe. There are plenty of others but we can be very positive and achieve good things this season.
“We can win titles because of the environment we have here and the quality of the players at our disposal.”
Matteo Guendouzi on winning the PL title: “I believe we can win it this season because of the players & staff we have. We truly believe & will do everything we can to win as many games as we can & to have a fantastic season. I truly believe we can do it.” [Standard] #afc pic.twitter.com/o4oH8bULE7
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 15, 2018
The last time the Londoners won the league was in their iconic 2003-2004 Invincibles season. This seems like quite a bold statement by the Frenchman considering Arsenal’s last season’s 6th place finish was their lowest since 1994-1995.
Moreover, there was a massive 37 point difference between The the Emirates outfit and the champions City at the conclusion of last season.
Guendouzi debut against the Cityzens generated mixed opinions. After the game, Unai Emery expressed how happy he was with the character his new recruit showed, saying [via Metro]:
“It’s his first match here in the Premier League. He has personality and quality and if he is on the pitch he is improving very quickly.”
Moreover, club legend Ian Wright has hailed the midfielder, claiming he was the main positive coming out of the defeat.
“Later on Sunday afternoon another less obvious new boy impressed me in Arsenal’s young midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, signed from the relative wilderness of Ligue 2 Lorient in France,” Wright told the Sun.
https://twitter.com/IanWright0/status/1028713895899348995
On the other hand, Martin Keown has criticised Unai Emery for starting young midfielder. Keown told the Daily Mail:
“The fans have been waiting for many years for a top quality, experienced central midfielder but against Man City, they started a 19-year-old from the French second division.”
Among all Arsenal players vs. Man City, Matteo Guendouzi recorded:
• Most touches (72)
• Most passes attempted (47)
• Most fouls won (3)Promising Premier League debut from the 19-year-old. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/964nl2XphO
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 12, 2018
I think what Guendouzi claims may be a little unrealistic but it’s nothing to be made laughed off at. Even Pep Guardiola himself took a year to adapt to the Premier League which saw him suffering losses such as 4-0 against Everton in the 2016-2017 season.
If the former Barcelona boss himself needed a year to adjust and understand the league and be crowned champions next season, its not fair to judge Emery based on his Premier League debut against a red-hot Skyblues at their best. In fact, what Guendouzi feels shows his passion and positivity for his new team to do well this term.
Though it may not be realistic, the North Londoners are a side to be reckoned with on paper. The new gaffer and the players when in the right mentality can bring glory to The Emirates. There is always inevitably of someone who makes this claim every year.
I’m happy that it is Guendouzi, because he backs himself up with his play on the pitch. And, if worse comes to worse, I’m sure that at some point, this young man will win a title with us. It’s a long shot. But it’s a long-shot for any and every club as well. If we stop believing already, then what’s the point?
