Gilberto Silva has suggested which team will win the Premier League next season: Manchester City or Arsenal.
The retired midfielder was a crucial part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ team, forming a double pivot with Patrick Vieira.
As a result, the 47-year-old knows what it takes to win the league.
Gilberto Silva suggests who will win the Premier League next season: Man City or Arsenal
The former Atletico Mineiro anchor also won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002.
Silva certainly has winning experience under his belt, winning two FA Cup trophies in 2003 and 2005 as well.
Initially, Gilberto Silva gave his two cents on the title race between Manchester City and Arsenal last season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think that in spite of the fact that they didn’t make it last season, I think they did brilliantly the whole year, especially in the Premier League. It’s not so easy competing with City that has probably been the best team in, I don’t know, the last eight to 10 years, more or less.”
Silva added: “Competing, winning, before they were competing against Liverpool and now in the last three years with Arsenal and Arsenal compete with them, it’s not so easy.”
Gilberto Silva also claimed that in his view, the experience of winning leagues Manchester City have on their side gave them an advantage over Arsenal.
“At some point, there is so much pressure, there is a mind game as well playing and the mental side of it where they took advantage of the experience, of being there a couple of times but my opinion is that Arsenal is on a good way, very stable, they got a strong squad not only for now but for the next couple of years.”
“And it was so close. I think, of course, at the end of the season for the players, the manager, everyone, it is a kind of disappointment for being so close and yet, so far at points to get it.”
Lastly, Gilberto Silva suggested that he thinks Arsenal will beat Manchester City to the Premier League title in the following campaign.
“The confidence that you have done great and bounce back next season and do this what they need to do, I’m very confident that they can make it next season.”
Manchester City must be wary of Arsenal’s threat
Gilberto Silva would be justified in backing Arsenal to win the league over Manchester City due to his affinity with the club.
But more notably, City should be wary of the threat Gunners pose to their dominance over the league, in our view as they will be hoping to come out on top next season. Arsenal’s style of play, quality of squad and recruitment has been top-class, making them a viable candidate to win the league if not for Manchester City’s brilliance.
However, things can change quickly in football — especially at the top as the difference between the best two teams comes down to fine margins.
From one specific player getting them over the line to player availability and a certain result, all factors come into play to decide the title winner.
As a result, Manchester City would have no reason to feel that their quest for winning a fifth league title in a row will not be under any threat unless they raise the bar once again.