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Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson is backing Arsenal to win the Premier League after praising the Gunners' performance in Sunday's win over Newcastle.
The Gunners fell behind to Nick Woltemade's first-half strike at St. James' Park but rallied to win through late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel. Despite trailing for much of the game, Arsenal was the dominant side and Mikel Arteta's men were good value for their win — a win that moved them to within two points of Liverpool.
The Reds succumbed to their first loss of the season a day earlier, as Eddie Nketiah's stoppage-time goal secured a 2-1 victory for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Arsenal has had a tricky run of fixtures to start the season but emerged with 13 points from 18 available, and Ferguson tipped the Gunners to end a 22-wait for top-flight glory.
"Very, very good," Ferguson said of Arsenal's performance against Newcastle. "They were good for the whole game, but then to get into the game so late and to score their goals so late, it shows they've got a lot of fire and fight in the team.
"They were very, very good. I was very impressed with them. I've put them down as the favorites for the title, I think they'll be in front of Liverpool.
"I was very impressed, they went right to the end, they're always strong from the set plays. He's changed his formations, he's changed his tactics, he's putting different players in to go for the game."
Ferguson said he disagreed with the criticism Arsenal received from Jamie Carragher following the 1-1 draw with Manchester City a week ago.
Carragher had accused Arteta of "having the handbrake on" against City, but Ferguson said: "I'm not sure if I agree with that. What I believe is that Arsenal have scored the second most goals in the league, so maybe they have been a wee bit defensive in certain games, but they've scored a lot of goals. They've done well, and they score goals. The handbrake is possible in certain situations."
Submitting his title prediction, he added: "What I've seen of Liverpool and Arsenal so far this season, Arsenal look a stronger team. The manager's been there a while now and they've finished third three times. I think this could be their year."
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