Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal to win all of their remaining Premier League games on route to clinching the title after Manchester City dropped points at Everton.
Man City were hoping to reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to three points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
It could have been even worse for Pep Guardiola’s side, who found themselves 3-1 down in the final ten minutes after Jeremy Doku had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.
Everton came from behind to lead through Thierno Barry’s quickfire brace and Jake O’Brien’s header, but were then pegged back themselves.
Erling Haaland gave City hope with his 25th Premier League goal of the season before Doku scored another brilliant goal to earn the visitors a point.
Despite that spirited comeback, Man City have still handed the title initiative to Arsenal who boast a five-point lead and a superior goal difference.
Guardiola is now relying on Arsenal dropping points to overtake the league leaders but Rooney cannot see that happening, backing the Gunners to win their three remaining games against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace.
‘It was a tough game for Man City, I always thought it was a game they could slip up,’ Rooney, a five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, said on his BBC podcast.
‘I think Arsenal win all of their games and that’s why I’ve been strong on this and think they win the league.
‘This was the game I thought Man City might drop points. You never know what’s going to happen but this is what I thought would happen and it could be a really important night in the title race.
‘We’ve talked about Arsenal feeling the pressure but we saw it with Man City against Everton. Players like Guehi and Semenyo haven’t won the title before and we saw the pressure.
‘Arsenal have been consistent with their performances whereas Man City can be pretty up and down. When City are at their best they’re one of the best teams in Europe.
‘But I think Arsenal win the title, I think they win every game. It’s not over but I do think they win every game and I hope they do to be honest.
‘I really like Mikel Arteta, people have criticised Arsenal and the way they play but I like it and how they’ve gone about their business.
‘I just think it’s their year. I hope they win it for Arteta and the work he’s put in over the past five years. It will be huge for him if they win the title.
‘I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional and will win every game now.’
Arsenal visit relegation-battlers West Ham on Sunday after Manchester City’s welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
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