Pires and Lehmann: Mikel Arteta Must Fulfil Arsenal Premier League Title Promise

Arsenal legends Robert Pirès and Jens Lehmann believe Mikel Arteta’s side can go all the way and win the Premier League title this season, as they told GiveMeSport during an exclusive conversation at Baller League, a fast-growing, small-sided competition showcasing emerging talent outside the traditional academy system.

The Baller League UK, which blends elite coaching with a street-football atmosphere, has quickly become a platform for players who haven’t followed the usual pathway into professional football. Lehmann, who has been hands-on in the project, said the environment allows young players to thrive regardless of where they come from.

“We don’t care what background our players come from,” Lehmann told GiveMeSport. “We just want to make sure they’re happy and that they enjoy performing under pressure. And the pressure is getting bigger now because we’ve won a couple of games.”

Attention then turned to the international stage, with Pirès offering his thoughts on the contenders ahead of the next World Cup. The Frenchman backed his nation but insisted the tournament is wide open.

“Of course France are one of the big favourites,” Pirès told GiveMeSport. “But teams like Portugal, Spain, England… England have had good players for a long time. They have a good manager. It will be an open and great competition. France are strong, but football is sometimes difficult.”

Arteta must deliver

Conversation naturally shifted to Arsenal’s title charge, with fans hopeful this could be the year Arteta finally delivers the Premier League crown. Lehmann believes the team’s performances so far have created an expectation they must now meet.

“They’re doing fantastic right now,” he said. “It’s a promise that needs to be fulfilled. They shouldn’t end the season saying, for whatever reason, that they haven’t won it. There’s pressure, but they can do it because they’re playing fantastically. Delivery is now key.”

Pirès agreed, though he warned that the road ahead remains difficult.

“I hope Arsenal can do it,” he said. “I wish it for the players, for Mikel Arteta, for all the Arsenal fans. But we’re only in November. The road is very long, and the next games are difficult, the London derby against Tottenham, then Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Nothing is easy for Arteta or the players, but I’m confident. I always believe in Mikel.”

As Baller League UK continues to uncover fresh talent, two Invincibles reaffirmed their belief that Arsenal’s current side has everything needed to finally lift the Premier League trophy.