Jens Lehmann says former club Arsenal could miss out on the Premier League title to Manchester City this season due to their cautious approach.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently top of the Premier League with 80 points, one ahead of the Cityzens, who have a game in hand against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners are no longer in control of their title destiny and need City to drop points in one of their next four games to have any chance of lifting the English crown.
In an interview with Daily Mail, Lehmann said that the current Arsenal players are much more cautious and slower with the ball compared to the successful squad of the Invincibles.
The German star added that only the bravest teams win the league and the Gunners’ tendency to take three or four touches in transition could probably cost them the title.
He said: “They are very different to us in their approach, much more cautious and slower with the ball.
“Physically, they run a lot more and have more high-intensity runs, but they don’t play faster than us because we were a one-touch team.
“They all take three, four touches at a time. And if you’re too cautious in football, you can’t win trophies. “Most of the time, the bravest teams win the league.
“I would love them to win the title but that has cost them in certain games. It’s 20 years since we won the league and I hope Arsenal win but it’s not in their own hands anymore and that’s a weakness.”
Arsenal have had another excellent top-flight campaign. Their form has been exceptional since the turn of the year, with 40 of a possible 45 points obtained.
Their only league defeat in 2024 came against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were second-best after the break where they conceded two late goals.
The loss to Unai Emery’s side could come back to haunt them, considering they would have been in pole position to win the league with a victory over the Midlands outfit.
The Gunners paid the price for their cautious approach against Villa. Arsenal now need to win their final three games and hope that City falter in the title race.
They play first on Saturday against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium before City host Wolverhampton Wanderers. A win could add extra pressure on the reigning champions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
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