Arsenal can challenge Man City in title race, says Xhaka

Arsenal can cut down the deficit to Premier League leaders, Manchester City, and challenge for the title this season, midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has said.

Arsenal’s 2- 0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday leaves them sixth, with 22 points on the table.

City are 12 points ahead after winning 11 of their opening 12 games, but Xhaka believes Arsenal can re-enter the title race.

“I think in football everything is possible,” the player told Sky Sports News.

“Manchester City, at the moment, are on a very good run; they’re doing very well and others have dropped points, which they haven’t done, but it’s conceivable that they could drop points as well.”

City’s dominant run has seen them score 40 league goals and conceded just seven goals to open an eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester United.

Xhaka said Pep Guardiola’s side could slow down and Arsenal must capitalise when they did.

“They might not continue as they have been. But, our aim is just to focus on ourselves.

“We know we need to work and we’re convinced that we can compete at the top.

“I‘m a person who thinks realistically, but has dreams and fantasies as well.

In football, everything is always possible,” he added.

Arsenal play FC Cologne in the Europa League on Thursday and would be followed by a trip to seventh-placed Burnley in the league on Sunday.