Double-Winner Nigel Winterburn: Arsenal To Win Title; New Role For Lewis-Skelly?

Nigel Winterburn expects his former club Arsenal to deliver their first Premier League title in 22 years this season.

The Gunners have finished runners-up in each of the last three campaigns, but the ex-England defender is confident they will banish their bridesmaid tag to the dustbin in May.

In an exclusive interview with online casinos comparison site Gambling.com, Winterburn gave his view on some of the big issues at the Emirates, but got things started by discussing the latest developments at Arsenal’s arch rivals Tottenham, who host the Gunners later this month.

Asked whether he was shocked by Spurs’ decision to sack Thomas Frank after just eight months in charge, Winterburn said: "It doesn’t surprise me to be honest. I think it was inevitable. 

"They are sitting too close to the relegation zone and you can never say you are not going to be relegated as you are there for a reason. 

"I don’t know whether there will be a new manager or an interim manager, but it has to be one who gets organisation and belief into the players and they haven’t got a lot of time to do it. 

"Fortunately, they are still in the Champions League, which is probably a good motivation for them to stay in the Premier League, but that is real life and where they are."

New Face At Spurs Will Bring Extra Spice 

Winterburn believes Spurs having a new man at the helm will bring an extra dimension to the north London derby on February 22.

"Looking at the next game for either the interim or new manager, it’s Arsenal at home and the rivalry between the teams will never change. The atmosphere will be the same and electric,” said Winterburn, who won three top-flight titles with the Gunners and the Premier League/FA Cup double in 1997/98.

He added: "With the state of both teams and a new manager of some sort taking charge, it will add extra spice to the game for sure. 

"So, from an Arsenal perspective, they need to be ready to deal with any scenario and be as professional as they would be in preparing for any game. They know what the prize is they are looking to achieve at the end of the season.

"Overall, I want my team Arsenal to go to Spurs next Sunday to get three points and continue their aim of winning the title this season."

The Gunners are four points clear at the top of the table with just 12 games remaining, a lead Winterburn believes nearest rivals Manchester City will be unable to overhaul. 

Pep Guardiola’s side were given hope in January when Arsenal followed back-to-back goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest with a 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United.

Since then, it has been business as usual, hammering Leeds 4-0 at Elland Road followed by a 3-0 victory over Sunderland in north London, although they were fortunate to earn a point at Brentford last time out.

Title Belongs To Gunners

City have won their last two games, a remarkable comeback win at Liverpool followed by a routine victory over Fulham, but Winterburn thinks Arsenal, who are hot favourites to win the title, can keep them at arm’s length.

He said: "The [Arsenal] players must remain super confident with their mindset. We have the squad, so go and show what you are capable of doing. Show everyone that you have the belief to achieve their aim of winning the title. 

"They must believe they have the squad to continue performing at their best and winning games of football.

"They have already shown they can continue to perform well after bouncing back from defeat to Man Utd and have the momentum now to continue winning these big games of Premier League football. 

"So, yes, City won, but Arsenal still have a cushion and the squad to achieve success. You would prefer to be six points clear than six behind,” said Winterburn, speaking before the 1-1 draw with the Bees.

He added: "City are a huge club, and have gone through big changes this season and shown vulnerability. I can’t see that either team will go unbeaten, so I believe Arsenal will win the title - but it’s up to the players and manager now.

"I believe Man City will push Arsenal all the way this season, but I feel Arsenal have the squad depth to go so close this season and even from early on, I believed Arsenal could win the title and I haven’t seen anything from the other teams that they can chase Arsenal down this season."

Quiet January No Problem

Despite the loss of Mikel Merino to a potentially season-ending foot injury which required surgery, Winterburn was unconcerned by the lack of transfer activity in January.

Kai Havertz returned from a five-month absence in January following foot surgery, although the German is injured once again and will miss the north London derby.

Winterburn said: "Merino was playing his best for the club before the injury and is a natural blow. And with [Eberechi] Eze also fit to play in that position, Arsenal have strength in depth. 

"So, I agree no panic buy was needed in January and with no other long-term injuries in the squad, Arsenal have the squad now to compete on all fronts and the key now is rotating at the right time for each game." 

Lewis-Skelly Should Play In Central Midfield

One player who has struggled for game time is teenage full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose last Premier League start came against Brighton two days after Christmas.

Lewis-Skelly, 19, was a regular at left-back last season which saw him break into the England team, but he has been kept out of the team by Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, and could even miss out on the World Cup in the summer.

However, Winterburn urged manager Mikel Arteta to play Lewis-Skelly in a different position to get the best out of his talent.

He said: "Myles is a fabulous young footballer. He had a great breakout season last year and did a terrific job for the team. He is super confident and you must remember, he is still very young. 

"Mikel obviously wanted to add squad depth in that position with [Jakub] Kiwior departing. [He brought in] Hincapie and then there is Calafiori, who has had some injuries.

"So, Myles has dropped down a little, but with so many games coming up, he can do a job in the centre of midfield, which was his preferred position as a youngster. 

"With such a busy schedule I suspect Myles will get a lot more game time as Mikel rotates as Arsenal push on all fronts. 

"As for England, I hope this doesn’t distract from his chances of going to the World Cup."

Do you think Arsenal will win the Premier League title this season? Vote in our poll above!