Arsenal get Premier League title verdict from 'whole of Europe' as biggest clubs expect same outcome

Arsenal and Manchester City are still knee deep in the Premier League title race, but it appears Europe's biggest clubs expect one outcome in particular

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has claimed Champions League clubs perceive Arsenal as the "stronger" side compared to Manchester City. Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola's teams find themselves locked in an exceptionally tight Premier League title contest.

Whilst the Gunners dispatched Tottenham Hotspur 4-1, their 1-1 stalemate with Brentford and the surprising 2-2 result at struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers has proved costly. City now sit just five points behind the north London outfit and possess a game in hand.

As the season enters its decisive phase, opinion remains divided over which team will ultimately claim the trophy. However, Martinez, who famously guided Wigan Athletic to FA Cup glory, disclosed most European sides expect Arsenal to emerge victorious.

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Speaking on The Overlap, Martinez, who will spearhead Portugal's World Cup challenge this summer, said: "It's interesting because if you ask any other Champions League team, outside the UK, everybody would tell you Arsenal look stronger than Manchester City.

"But when you understand the Premier League and you know the way Pep Guardiola works, Manchester City should be the favourites to finish the season the strongest.

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"Just because of the changes of the players in the dressing room is almost like everything is coming into place. He's also got this incredible capacity to find these tactical solutions, preparing in each game.

"When you look at it from the outside, everyone in the Champions League, all of the top clubs in the Champions League, they are highlighting Arsenal."

When questioned by Gary Neville on whether Arsenal are viewed as the most dominant team, Martinez replied: "Yes, because they beat Real Madrid the way that they did. They are a team that can defend very well without the ball, they can play with the ball and they are a complete team.

"Set-plays, I know in the UK it is different, in the Premier League, everyone works the set plays well. But in Europe, nobody can defend a corner from Arsenal, it's a reality.

"When you look at the Premier League teams against European opposition, the goals they score from dead ball situations are incredible. It's a trend which hasn't developed in Europe yet and that side of it can be a big strength in Europe.

"In the Premier League, I don't even think you can call it. Even that game, Manchester City vs Arsenal, is going to have a bigger influence than we think. What is it, 90 minutes? 90 minutes could be anything. It could be about this season, a bit of luck, a bit of magic. So I think the league is going to be decided by very small margins."

Arsenal are set to face City in two monumental encounters. The initial clash is scheduled for 22 March at Wembley Stadium for the League Cup final, a match that could significantly impact the psychological landscape for the remainder of the season.

Nonetheless, the most anticipated fixture of the campaign is likely to be the showdown between the two teams at the Etihad Stadium on 18 April.