Andrey Arshavin: Manchester United look the strongest in Premier League title race but Arsenal won’t let them break away

EPL: Andrei Arshavin, Arsenal (Getty Images)

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Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin believes Manchester United look the strongest side in the Premier League title race, but is confident his side can still catch them.

The Russian has also spoken of the emotional damage the losses at Birmingham in the Carling Cup and Barcelona in the Champions League has caused him.

Upon being asked who were favourites, Arshavin said, according to the Daily Mirror: “Manchester United in terms of stability, but also the football by Chelsea looks very dangerous, especially after they bought two strong players.

“Manchester United look strongest but all others who chase them won’t let them break away too far. Including us.

“Now we are in a close chase for the title with Manchester United and still have chances to finish first in the Premier League.

“If we fail to do that I would consider this season completely lost for us.

“At the moment physically I feel well, but I cannot say the same about my emotional state.

“No footballer likes to lose and I am no exception.”

Arshavin also discussed his dissatisfaction of not only being left out of the starting line up against Barcelona, but also being substituted at half time against Birmingham.

“I do not know why I wasn’t in the starting line-up for the match in Barcelona,” he said. “You should ask the manager about it.

“Because from my point of view only one team was playing football at Nou Camp and it was Barca.

“I was substituted in the second half against Birmingham. So after the game was over, I went straight to the dressing room oblivious of any ceremonies.”