Ex-Gunner reckons Arsenal won’t mind underdog tag

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith reckons the Gunners won’t mind being tagged as the underdogs in this Premier League title race.

Although Arsene Wenger’s men sit top of the Premier League table, pundits and fans alike across the nation believe Manchester City and Chelsea are the hot favourites to lift the trophy.

However, Smith says not being considered as favourites for the title could lift the pressure off the Gunners as they head into the busy end of the campaign:

‘I don’t think Arsenal will mind [not being title favourites] too much. They’ll be able to stay under the radar and keep in touch with Manchester City and Chelsea.’

When asked why he thinks Arsenal are not considered favourites by pundits and fans alike, Smith said:

‘I suppose [they aren’t considered favourites] because of what’s happened before and the fact they haven’t been able to stay the course. They haven’t been able to beat any of the big boys, which they still haven’t done this season.’

Personally, I’m happy that people are and continue to write us off for the title, and that we are under the radar.

At the start of the season I’m sure we never expected to be where we are now, and even though we are up there duking it out with City and Chelsea, pundits still believe we will short of finishing top.

Our latest odds to win the title (according to SkyBet) are 4/1, which isn’t a bad considering Chelsea just edge us out at 3/1 with City favourites at 11/10.

If we continue the way we are going and hopefully strengthen the squad a little this month then I’m sure we will be there or thereabouts.

At the start of the season, we never expected our club to be challenging for the title. If we are honest, a top four finish is what we expect to achieve this term, so to be up there with the billionaire clubs battling for the title is great to see.

As for not being considered title favourites, I hope this continues so that the players and manger don’t have any pressure going in to any game for the rest of the season.