Aguero Backs Arsenal to End Title Drought as City Pile on the Pressure

Sergio Aguero has thrown his weight behind Arsenal's title credentials, insisting the Gunners are far better equipped than in previous seasons to shake off their runners-up curse and claim the Premier League crown.

The former Manchester City striker refuses to dismiss Mikel Arteta's side despite their stuttering form of late. Arsenal have managed just three wins from their last eight league outings, though they did dispatch Tottenham 4-1 on Sunday, and have surrendered what looked like a commanding advantage over recent weeks.

City now trail the leaders by five points, though they hold a game in hand and the small matter of a home fixture against Arsenal at the Etihad come April to look forward to.

Arsenal's three consecutive campaigns as bridesmaids have invited questions about their mental resilience, but Aguero reckons those doubts are misplaced. Speaking to Stake, he outlined why this iteration of the Gunners feels fundamentally different.

"It's not a question of a weak mentality. Not now, at least, when the team has a very complete, balanced squad with much more experience than in the recent past," Aguero said.

"They've been through this before and narrowly missed out. And today you can see that they have a stronger mentality. The young players have grown up, they've brought in some very good players, and it shows."

The striker offered particular praise for Gyokeres, noting that while the Swedish forward required a settling-in period, he has since rediscovered his sharpness. "He is a very complete and powerful striker," Aguero reflected.

He also highlighted Arteta's growing stature as a manager, pointing to the solidity of the squad he has constructed. "Arteta has proven himself to be a great manager. He has built a solid team that knows how to play and is now always in contention for the title," he said. "Let's remember how many years it has been since Arsenal won the Premier League. And how close they have come to doing so in recent years."

Yet Aguero issued a stern warning about City's refusal to go quietly. Guardiola's outfit have accumulated 13 points from a possible 15 across their last five matches, applying the sort of relentless pressure that has defined their recent dominance.

"It's important because it sends a signal to the team at the top that they can't relax and that they're being hot on their heels," Aguero cautioned. "It's not the same playing with a big lead as it is with a smaller one."

He highlighted City's proven track record of mounting late-season comebacks, noting that the departures of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan have not diminished their threat. The new arrivals have settled and the machine continues to purr.

"There has been a significant changeover, with key players such as Kevin and Gundo leaving, but once the new players settled in, the team responded," Aguero explained. "And it's difficult to always be in the fight."

He reserved particular emphasis for the looming clash at the Etihad, positioning it as a potential turning point. "It's important to remember that match against Arsenal at the Etihad. It's a good opportunity to take points off them and close the gap. But first there are the previous matches. It would be pointless if we don't beat the teams ahead of us. It's one step at a time."

Aguero concluded by backing Guardiola's experience to navigate the final stretch. "Pep has a lot of experience in these end-of-season scenarios and I think he'll be able to convey that to the players."