Yaya Toure expects Arsenal to drop points in the race for the Premier League title (Picture: Getty)
Manchester City legend Yaya Toure expects the Premier League title race to go to the wire and fears Arsenal are bound to drop points during the run-in.
The Gunners currently hold a five-point advantage over the reigning champions following Saturday’s potentially season defining comeback against Bournemouth where a 97th minute Reiss Nelson winner secured a fourth straight victory.
Mikel Arteta’s side have defied the odds so far but face a daunting set of fixtures either side of the upcoming international break and with their attacking options running dry amid an injury crisis, City are scenting blood.
‘At the moment, it is really tight. Man City are just playing really well and are hoping Arsenal will drop points,’ the former Ivory Coast international who won three Premier League titles during eight trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium, told talkSPORT.
‘I think Arsenal will drop points. It is a long way still, the pressure is there. Man United are still doing well, Liverpool a brilliant result a few days ago, and Arsenal are competing fantastically well.
‘Sometimes a team who can become champions you can always smell that luck and positivity.
‘When I see games most of the time, you can feel champions when the team score and the camaraderie between the players and the celebrations and enjoying playing for each other.
Thomas Partey kickstarted Arsenal’s comeback against Bournemouth on Saturday (Picture: Getty)
‘It was a [last minute goal against Bournemouth]. I don’t want to say it is a decider of the league as it’s a long way to go. I hope Man City will do it because I’m a fan of Man City.’
Which team has what it takes to win the Premier League this year? Arsenal or Man City?
Which team has what it takes to win the Premier League this year? Arsenal or Man City?
Despite his City allegiances, Toure has been particularly impressed with the performances of Arsenal’s midfield mainstay Thomas Partey.
The Ghana international’s Arsenal career has been regularly blighted by injuries and although he missed key games over the last month, his return to the team against Everton and Bournemouth has coincided with a run of seven goals from two matches.
‘Yeah he’s brilliant, it’s really nice to see,’ added Toure.
‘I think now every weekend when Arsenal have to play, I have to be honest, I would go just to watch him. He’s just unbelievable.’
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The race is hotting up.