BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has backed Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title regardless of what happens in the head-to-head fixtures between Manchester City and the Gunners.

The reigning champions beat Arsenal in the FA Cup last Friday and they will travel to the Emirates later this month to take them on in the league, but Ferdinand doesn’t believe anything can stop Mikel Arteta’s side:

“I think it’s a wrap. I’ve got to be honest, I do. No matter what results Arsenal get against Man City, I still think Arsenal have enough confidence, quality and calmness to take the title.”

It should be pointed out that we have only just reached the halfway point of the season. City can still collect a maximum of 54 points from their last eighteen matches so Ferdinand may be a bit premature in declaring Arsenal as champions.

The Citizens are known for going on lengthy winning streaks and, while they may be five points behind the league leaders at the moment, having played a game more, that gap could close in the coming weeks and months. Ferdinand believes Arteta’s men can handle the pressure but we shall see.