According to Betfred, Manchester City are now 4/9 favourites for the title. Their game in hand, and a favourable run-in, could make the difference between them and Arsenal who are now the 7/4 second favourites.

We spoke to the founder of BBN Times Badr Berrada about the exciting run-in to the Premier League title, and he suggests that while “I would love Arsenal to win, realistically City is a far more complete team.”

A long-time Arsenal supporter, who has some best friends who happen to be Tottenham fans, Berrada answered some key questions about the run-in and the huge encounter on April 26 at the Etihad, which will go a long way to deciding the outcome.

After a disappointing last season, being pipped by Spurs to a Champions League place, how has the season been for Arsenal this season?

This has been an exciting season for Arsenal. The team has exceeded expectations by playing attacking football. Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have improved the team with their winning mentality. Martinelli and Saka are also getting better throughout each game with their vital goals and assists. It feels good to challenge for the Premier League. This Arsenal team is so talented but it still needs at least 4 other world class players to compete at the highest level. Our bench is still thin compared to the other big teams.

What've been the highlights so far?

The highlight of the Arsenal season has been the 3-2 victory against Manchester United and the comeback against Bournemouth.

What are Arsenal's strengths from management to the football pitch?

Arsenal has a well-structured set up from Josh Kroenke to Edu and Mikel Arteta. They are all working together to win titles in the long run. It’s a long-term project. Arteta has reshaped the culture of the team by fostering discipline, hard work, togetherness and belief.

What separates Arsenal from City, who are also one of favourites to win the Champions League?

Man City is ahead of Arsenal when it comes to dominating games and not losing their cool for 90 minutes (Note: in the last 2 games, Arsenal have given up 2-0 leads). City is far ahead with superior players but Arsenal is a sleeping giant with exciting youngsters.

What’s your prediction for the “run-in”? How can Arsenal overcome their rival?

Ideally, I want Arsenal to win all their games but it’s going to be very tough. Arsenal can overcome their rivals if they stay focused by not conceding silly goals.

Pep Guardiola mentored Arteta when he was with him at Man City, so how would you compare them?

Guardiola has an edge over Arteta due to his experience in Spain, Germany and England. He has also won more trophies. He is the best manager in the world. Arteta is still the apprentice. Guardiola uses different tactics and sometimes players out of their positions—like Bernardo Silva as a make shift wing back and John Stones as a right back). Whereas Arteta is quite conservative with the same line up (4-3-3 with inverted full backs). Guardiola is more unpredictable but sometimes it can also backfire—remember the UCL final against Chelsea with no striker and dm.

The last time Arsenal won the league was 2003-04 and the Invincibles season. If Arsenal win the league now, what will that say?

If Arsenal wins the league, it will give hope to other teams such as Tottenham, Brighton and Aston Villa. If they don’t win the league then it will only show that experience matters when it comes to trophies.

What do think of Haaland and his outstanding play this season?

Haaland is like a cheat-code (a game-changer) because he is the best striker in the world, alongside Mbappe. He is so complete and dominant. City is favourite to win the league due to its experience and incredible players, but there might be a surprise at the end of the season. Arsenal has a challenging schedule compared to City but there might be some upsets (City vs Brighton and Arsenal vs Newcastle)

How key is the game on April 26?

This game will most likely determine the outcome of the Premier League. It’s a must win game for Arsenal otherwise it will be a very disappointing season. But bring it on!