Ashley Cole Makes Bold Arsenal Quadruple Prediction
Former Arsenal star Ashley Cole has made a stunning prediction, declaring that his old club can complete an unprecedented quadruple this season. The Gunners legend sees no reason why Mikel Arteta's side cannot sweep all major trophies, pointing to their current form and unwavering belief as key factors.
Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenges
Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against League One Mansfield in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, with Eberechi Eze's second-half strike proving decisive. While the performance was nervy, Cole emphasized that winning at this stage of the season is all that matters, especially with fixtures coming thick and fast.
The Premier League leaders return to action in midweek as they aim to maintain their perfect record in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League knockout stages. Additionally, Arsenal have opened up a seven-point gap at the top of the domestic table and have a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City to anticipate later this month.
Cole's Confident Assessment
When asked if Arsenal could achieve a historic quadruple, Cole told Hayters TV: 'Why not? The players seem to have some sort of belief. The manager has a belief and slowly but surely they're winning game after game and if they can continue that form nothing is impossible.'
Cole, who was integral to Arsenal's last league title win 22 years ago, added: 'If they get the first win who knows what can happen. It breeds confidence winning a trophy.' He noted that most Arsenal fans would prioritize winning the Premier League above all other competitions.
Current Form and Title Prospects
Discussing Arsenal's title chances, Cole stated: 'I think so with the consistency that Arsenal have shown, only eight games left in the season and seven points clear, it's Arsenal's to lose. The way they're finding that extra 5% or 2% in games to find a way to win it's going to have to be an absolute capitulation from Arsenal to lose the league.'
The style of Arsenal's play under Arteta contrasts sharply with Cole's ultra-stylish Invincibles team, drawing some criticism. Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler was less than complimentary after Wednesday night's tense match. However, Cole defended the approach: 'I'd want my team to play but ultimately it's about winning and Mikel Arteta got challenged at the start of the season to break the curse. It's 22 years since they last won it.'
Arteta's Leadership and Future Comparisons
Cole praised Arteta's tactical understanding and job performance, but cautioned against premature comparisons with legendary manager Arsene Wenger. 'We've seen the quality of Mikel, his tactical understanding and he's doing a great job but to be compared with Arsene Wenger now is a little bit too premature. You've got to continue to win and compete and hopefully he'll get his first title over the line and build on that.'
With Arsenal positioned above rivals Manchester City and Liverpool so far this season, Cole concluded that if Arsenal's name is on the title at season's end, Arteta will have successfully done his job. The stage is set for what could be a historic campaign for the North London club.
