Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League this season after praising the core players driving their title push.
The Gunners under Mikel Arteta are flying high in the table after opening a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
Cole believes the North London side now look ready to handle pressure at the sharp end of the campaign.
Speaking to football.london, the former England international explained why he feels Arsenal can finally cross the line.
He pointed to five players who form the backbone of the side and give them balance across the pitch.
Arsenal’s spine gives belief and balance
Cole highlighted the importance of experience within a squad that is still seen as young by league standards.
Cole said: “I think you’ve got to look at the experienced players: Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, [William] Saliba, Gabriel [Magalhaes] – the spine of the team.”
He feels those players bring calm moments during games and help Arsenal manage difficult periods more effectively.
According to Cole, Arsenal have been tested in many ways over recent seasons and have learned from setbacks.
Cole explained that Arsenal may not have lifted the league yet, but they have faced most other football challenges.
Cole said: “They’re a youthful team, Arsenal, but they’re a team now with, not experience of winning, but they’ve experienced everything else in football, apart from the one thing that they crave, which is putting trophies on the table.”
The former Chelsea player feels that desire could now drive Arsenal during the final stretch of the season.
Cole predicts tight title race finish
Cole also stressed that leadership across the pitch must show when results matter most.
Cole said: “I think that the spine of the team needs to step up. Gabriel Jesus is coming back into it. He knows what winning looks like. He’s going to be important. I look at them, and I don’t think there’s a fallibility to them anymore. I think that’s been ironed out.”
That belief has convinced Cole that Arsenal no longer look fragile in key moments.
He expects Manchester City to respond strongly but feels Arsenal will remain ahead when it matters.
Cole went on to back Arsenal outright for the title, while accepting the margin may narrow late on.
Cole said: “My prediction is that Arsenal will win the league, but it’ll be by fewer than six points.”
He added: “Manchester City will start clawing them back now, but Arsenal, they have to do it at some point.”
Arsenal will next face a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford.
The match offers another chance for Arteta’s side to strengthen their grip at the top of the table.