‘This should be the year’— Ex-Manchester United star tips Arsenal to win Premier League

Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikaël Silvestre believes the Premier League title race is finally tilting in the Gunners’ favour, insisting that the opportunity is too good for Mikel Arteta’s side to waste.

Speaking to Get French Football News, the Frenchman assessed both of his former clubs and explained why Arsenal’s moment may have arrived.

Silvestre noted clear improvement at Manchester United, praising the impact of the club’s new arrivals but admitting the squad still carries “blips and flashbacks from last season.”

He believes they look “a different proposition” when all key signings are on the pitch, yet he made it clear that the real title conversation lies elsewhere.

Turning to Arsenal, Silvestre stressed that Arteta’s side must avoid the late-season collapses that cost them in recent years, saying, “They’ve lost titles during the Christmas period and even later, so they need to remain consistent.”

With Liverpool starting slowly and Manchester City “still inconsistent,” Silvestre was firm in his belief that “This should be the year… they have to grab it this year.”

Arsenal currently sit top of the table after 15 matches, holding narrow leads over City and Aston Villa, and Silvestre argued that the pathway is clearer than in previous seasons.

Silvestre also highlighted the importance of William Saliba, describing him as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.

The Frenchman pointed out that Saliba has already made the Team of the Season “twice or maybe three times,” crediting his calmness and composure as essential to Arsenal’s defensive excellence.

The former Arsenal defender explained that beyond simply winning duels, a top centre-back must remain “super calm at the back,” a quality Saliba consistently brings.

Silvestre emphasised that even with new defenders arriving, the 24-year-old continues to “show the way,” demonstrating the strength and leadership required to anchor a title-chasing side.

With Arsenal pushing to end their two-decade league drought, Silvestre believes Saliba’s influence could prove decisive in the months ahead.