Lineker, however, noted that winning the UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be a bonus for Arsenal, who have a healthy advantage in the EPL title race.
By Kehinde Okeowo
British broadcaster and former England striker Gary Lineker has backed Arsenal to lift the English Premier League (EPL) title, despite a tough two weeks in which they lost the Carabao Cup final and their FA Cup quarter-final fixture.
He made this known recently during an appearance on the latest edition of ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.
Arsenal were in line for an unprecedented quadruple, but they lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and were also defeated 2-1 by Southampton in an FA Cup quarter-final clash over the weekend.
These results have now raised doubts over whether the Gunners’ season is in real danger of crumbling.
Mikel Arteta’s men play Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final and are nine points clear of Manchester City in the league.
Speaking on the podcast, Lineker said Arsenal’s next two games against Sporting Lisbon and Bournemouth will be decisive.
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He, however, added that winning the Champions League will be a bonus for Arsenal, who have a healthy advantage in the EPL race.
“It’s been a tough two weeks for Arsenal. People are asking if they’re panicking or if it’s a crisis; it’s definitely a little wobble,” Lineker said.
He added: “The next game or two are hugely important for Arsenal; they need to steady the ship, there’s no doubt about it.
“They’ve got a huge lead in the title race but it’s squeaky-bum time.
“I think they will be fine. I think they will win the league, which will still be the main thing for them.
“The Champions League would obviously be an enormous bonus because it’s a competition they’ve never won.”
