Arsenal: Mikel Arteta is a secret winner in recent Champions League draw

The Champions League draw has been made and while Arsenal aren’t in any European competition at the moment, they’ve emerged as the secret winners. Mikel Arteta loves football and he knows the impact European football involvement can have on Premier League teams.

This is why he’ll be smiling wide to see Manchester City handed an incredibly difficult fixture. They’ll face Manchester City across two legs, which is sure to take some wind out of them. If they do get through, they’ll face either Chelsea or Real Madrid.

While the Gunners have grown a rivalry with Man City throughout this season, they’ll hope Pep Guardiola’s men stay in the competition for as long as possible. As noticed last night in the Europa League, these competitions pose a higher threat of injury due to the level of competition.

City do have great squad depth, but Pep doesn’t like to rely on it any more than he has to. Balancing the Champions League, Premier League AND FA Cup will prove difficult to manage for any club, City included.

Even if injuries don’t occur (which, of course, nobody hopes for), then fatigue does play a key part. Arsenal are now focusing only on the Premier League, whereas City have eggs in three different baskets, where they face some of the best talent in the world.

With the Gunners having the upper hand in the league and Pep chasing City’s first ever Champions League title, the indicators are pointing towards a Gunners league win. As we’ve seen, every point is vital in a title race as close as this.

The English teams currently battling in European competition include Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United. The Gunners will keep a keen eye on every one of them, as they don’t want any obstacles as they fight for the Premier League title.

Who do you think will win the Premier League table?