Arsenal legend Theo Walcott says three teams can win the Premier League

Theo Walcott believes his beloved Arsenal are just one of three teams capable of winning the Premier League this season. 

The Gunners were threatening to run away with the title just a matter of weeks ago but a few unconvincing performances has given hope to the chasing pack. 

Arsenal looked set to drop more points on Saturday when Wolves scored a late equaliser at the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta’s side scored an even later winner to avoid a deflating result against the worst team in the division. 

That win briefly extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to five points but Manchester City closed the gap once more with a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday. 

With Aston Villa also winning at the weekend – Unai Emery’s side twice coming from behind to beat West Ham – just three points separates the top-three in the Premier League. 

Third-placed Villa have pulled five points clear of Chelsea in fourth during a sensational run which has seen them win nine games in a row in all competitions. 

Aston Villa were not thought of as title contenders at the start of the season but Walcott believes they could be a ‘problem’ for title favourites Arsenal and lead chasers Man City. 

Asked whether Villa should be considered title contenders after their comeback win at West Ham, Walcott said on BBC’s Match of the Day: ‘I think so, I do. 

‘When you have a difficult start to the season it can go one of two ways as a team and a squad but Unai Emery has obviously got that confidence in them. 

‘They’re playing some good stuff at this moment in time so for me they are a problem. But I am concerned about Man City.’ 

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Harr added: ‘Arsenal and Man City are up there which is to be expected but Aston Villa have beaten both of them this season after a difficult start.  

‘They are definitely capable – whether they can mount a charge remains to be seen but Arsenal and City will definitely be there come the end of the season.’ 

Arsenal are aiming to become Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, having recorded three second-place finishes in a row under Mikel Arteta. 

‘Nobody is invincible in title race’

Rene Meulensteen knows what it takes to win the Premier League, having been Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man for a number of Manchester United’s title triumphs.

In an exclusive interview with Metro, Meulensteen says none of the current top-three are ‘unbeatable’ or ‘invincible’.

‘I think Man City are the strongest team to challenge Arsenal, but I can see this being a very close title race,’ he said on behalf of BestNewBingoSites.

‘Chelsea have looked good at times this season, but have faltered lately and even Villa after a terrible start are on a great run of form and find themselves third in the league.

‘I really like Unai Emery as a manager, I think he has achieved some great things at Villa, and he will continue to do so this season. He’s done brilliant things with his squad.

‘If Man United hadn’t thrown away games over the past few weeks, they’d be right up there alongside Arsenal, which demonstrates just how open the league is this season.

‘It’s evident that all those teams up the top of the league are beatable as they have all lost games at one point or another this season, nobody is invincible.

‘Man City have the experience of winning the league in their squad, and they won’t lie down easily to let Arsenal win it come May.’

Manchester City, meanwhile, clinched a record-breaking four league titles in a row before dropping off and finishing only third last season. 

Aston Villa’s best finish in the Premier League era came during the 1992-1993 season when they finished second. They finished fourth two seasons ago to qualify for the Champions League for the first time. 

Villa’s recent history only tells one side of the story, however, as one of the oldest and most successful clubs in England clinched seven league before the introduction of the Premier League. 

Current leaders Arsenal face a potentially tricky trip to Everton next weekend – David Moyes’ side had won four of their past five games before losing at Chelsea on Saturday. 

Manchester City will expect to prove too strong for relegation-battlers West Ham at home while Aston Villa will look to extend their winning run against Manchester United. 

A new Premier League winner looks set to be confirmed come May as reigning champions Liverpool endured a shocking start to their title defence. 

Arne Slot’s side appear to have turned a corner – going five games without a defeat – but Liverpool already find themselves ten points behind Arsenal and even outside the Champions League places.

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