We caught up with Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba, to get the former Nigeria striker’s thoughts on the English Premier League title race and Manchester City’s treble chances.
VI: After beating West Ham 3-0 on Wednesday, Manchester City are now a point ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand at the top of the EPL.
It’s not done and dusted yet. Looking at City’s recent past, when it gets to this stage of the season they have the belief, mentality, character and the manager to get the job done. The wins against Fulham and West Ham were impressive because they were both tricky games but these are the types of games you have to win to be champions.
On recent form, it looks good for City and if they can beat Leeds, and Arsenal drop points at Newcastle which could happen, then this weekend would be the deciding factor in the title race. Four points with four matches to go would be too much for Arsenal to do so it’s looking good for City to retain their title and win it for the third season in a row.
Special Times For Arsenal
Arsenal were eight points clear at the start of April and I believe the lack of experience in the team at the highest level is a big factor to why they have blown that lead. You saw it in the match against City last week, that they lack the experience of these big title matches and it’s a very young squad.
Whilst it will be a massive blow if they don’t win the English Premier League, they will learn from this season and improve going forward. Dropping points against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton is what will cost them at the end of the season.
Nobody saw them fighting for the title at the start of the season and I think this is the start of a special era for Arsenal. They’ll be back in the UEFA Champions League which is a massive bonus for the Gunners. Hopefully they will push City again next season when they get some quality players in but the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool will be back so it will be tough for them.
City For The Treble?
But back to City and it’s been an amazing season so far. They are now favourites with Bet9ja to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
If they win the treble, City will be the first English team since Manchester United in 1999 to do so and I think they have a great chance. I thought they would have done it a couple of years ago but they lost to Chelsea in the Champions League Final which shows there is no guarantees for results.
Erling Haaland has been a massive addition to this team and if they beat Real Madrid, I think they will win the treble.
Manchester City to win the treble: 2.71
Booking code: 3TJVFY9
