Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg unleashes damning Man City Premier League title verdict
Manchester City sit a point behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race after 13 matches of the season so far
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg believes his old team need to be at least ten points ahead of Manchester City by Christmas to stand any chance of winning the Premier League.
City were usurped at the top of the table this weekend by the Gunners after they were held to a draw by Liverpool and Mikel Arteta's men beat Brentford 1-0. As we head into December, the title race looks too close to call with the gap between first and sixth only six points.
Pep Guardiola may have been frustrated by dropping off the top spot at the end of November but Ljungberg insists City remain the favourites to win the title. When asked about the Gunners' title chances on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, he explained: "I think definitely ready to challenge for the title, but the stats here are quite telling to be honest and I don’t think it will work in their favour.
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"I think if you look against City, I think at Christmas you have to be almost 10 points ahead of them because they are so strong in the spring. I think they will be Manchester City’s closest challengers. But then, City are amazing. It’s hard."
Unlike previous seasons, City have a new competition they will have to contend with which could throw a spanner in the works. Just before Christmas, the Blues will be flying out to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola's side qualified for the competition for the very first time when they won the Champions League. City's last Premier League game will take place on December 16 before they return to domestic action on December 27.
The Puma home shirt features the traditional sky blue colour but has slightly darker blue detailed stripes across the front which take inspiration from the Etihad Stadium's walkways. City moved to their new home from Maine Road in 2003 and the shirt honours that anniversary.