Arsenal open their season by hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, hoping this is the year they can finally overhaul Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's men have finished runners-up behind City for the past two seasons, finishing two points behind Pep Guardiola's men last time out.
Speaking to BetVictor, former Gunners star Emmanuel Petit firmly believes his old club will challenge once again and can see some small cracks in City's set-up.
However, the Frenchman has warned the club that Arsenal must start winning trophies or run the risk of players leaving to find silverware somewhere else.
He said: “I think Arsenal are going to keep the pressure on Manchester City this season. City are still the reference point, but some of their key players are coming towards the end of their careers – including Kevin De Bruyne. I saw cracks appearing during the Community Shield, with Pep Guardiola visibly upset with Ederson at points.
“I see Arsenal growing step-by-step, but they need to add a couple more players in order to reach City’s level because their squad rotation is so good. Some of Arsenal’s big players looked physically and mentally exhausted towards the back end of last season. I don’t think City will be as strong this season. I see Arsenal getting stronger and the gap reducing.
“I think this is the season where Arsenal will win another trophy under Mikel Arteta. If Arteta wants the players to trust and follow him then he has to win something. You cannot convince the players that you are going to achieve more and be even more competitive every season if you never win anything. If you don’t win silverware, you can lose players. This season will be Arteta’s most important at Arsenal so far.”
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