ARSENE WENGER believes that Arsenal still have one “advantage” over Manchester City and Liverpool in the race to be champions.
The Gunners are looking to try and win the Premier League for the first time since the legendary Frenchman guided the Invincibles to title glory in 2004.
City, who are looking to win the league for a record fourth-straight season, climbed into top spot after thrashing Luton 5-1 on Saturday.
Liverpool then suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday lunchtime but Arsenal failed to take advantage of that slip-up.
Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 2-0 at home by Aston Villa to leave both them and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds two points behind the leaders with six games to go.
Many feel that City are now favourites having ensured that the title is now in their own hands - but Wenger, 74, remains optimistic for his old team Arsenal.
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Discussing last weekend’s results, he told : “It was a complete surprise.
“When you play for the championship, at home, with a few games to go, and you have the opportunity to make a difference, you have to take it.
“The surprise of the weekend is that Man City have their noses in front again, nobody expected that.
“Maybe one of those teams can have a bad result but not both, that was quite surprising.
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“But Arsenal still have an advantage with the goal difference so even if Man City draw a game and we win, we will be in front of them.”
Arsenal currently have a goal difference of plus 49, compared to City’s 44 and Liverpool’s 41.
However, Wenger did admit that Arsenal may end up paying the price for not going more attacking and trying to get the three points during last month’s goalless draw at City.
He added: “There was a bit of frustration on the day because okay, it’s a good point and well-fought point because City didn’t create anything.
“But you also had the feeling that by pushing a bit more the three points were available there. We will know at the end of the season.
“Usually when you play a big opponent and you can finish them off, you want to do it.”
ARSENE WENGER'S ARSENAL RECORD
Here's some of the feats that the Frenchman achieved during his 22 years in charge:
Premier League:
1998, 2002, 2004
FA Cup:
1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017
Community Shield:
1998, 1999, 2002, 1004, 2014, 2015, 2017
Champions League:
Finalist 2006
Uefa Cup Final:
Finalist 2000