Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has suggested that Arsenal's previous interest in Jeremy Doku could come back to haunt them in this season's gripping Premier League title race.
Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn
The Premier League landscape shifted significantly over the weekend as Arsenal dropped crucial points in their visit to Sunderland's Stadium of Light. This slip allowed their closest rivals to close the gap at the summit.
Manchester City seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion, delivering a statement 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. This convincing performance against Arne Slot's side lifted Pep Guardiola's team to second place, now sitting just four points behind the Gunners with both teams having played the same number of games.
Sherwood's Title Race Warning
Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday, Sherwood emphasised that Manchester City's pedigree makes them formidable challengers. "They are prolific winners of the Premier League," Sherwood stated. "They know how to go course and distance - and have one of the best managers we've ever seen."
The former Aston Villa boss highlighted that Arsenal should remain concerned about Liverpool despite their recent setback, but acknowledged that Manchester City's experience could prove decisive. "Four points is nothing and it's a team who have done it before and are playing fantastically well," he added. "Yesterday was a statement win for them."
The One That Got Away: Jeremy Doku
Sherwood's analysis took a particularly painful turn for Arsenal fans when discussion turned to Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku, who sparkled in the victory over Liverpool.
The Belgian international, who now boasts three goals and four assists this season, emerged as a potential difference-maker in the title race. This development carries extra significance for Arsenal, who were reportedly interested in signing Doku when he was just 17 years old in 2019.
Interest from the Emirates Stadium resurfaced in 2022, but it was Manchester City who secured his signature in 2023, paying Rennes £55.5 million for the talented winger.
Sherwood praised Doku's development, noting: "I think he's a lot more consistent than he used to be. He certainly has an end product. He gets you on the edge of your seat and is now fulfilling that expectation."
The pundit added: "He's a wonderful player. I'd hate to mark him. He stands still and moves, gets up to a certain speed, drops his shoulder and moves so quickly. It's impossible, he'll flat foot any defender."
As the Premier League title race intensifies, Arsenal's failure to secure Doku's services when they had the chance could become a defining narrative of their season, with the Belgian now directly strengthening their closest competitors.
