FREDDIE LJUNGBERG reckons that table-toppers Arsenal may simply have too much for Manchester United as they visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
In 2002 Ljungberg’s all-conquering Gunners won the Premier League at Old Trafford thanks to Sylvain Wiltord, who delivered the sucker punch after Fabien Barthez had blocked the Swede’s first attempt.
This season Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side have yet to drop a point after five games.
But the blistering Swede, who sent shockwaves around England playing in a star-studded Arsenal team boasting superstars like Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry two decades ago, is not one bit surprised.
And he rubbished suggestions that his former side have punched above their weight, given the riches they can now call upon after splashing the cash.
He told SunSport: “This season Arsenal look really good. Winning five games in a row is a great start for the season. They spent the money again this summer and have great players. And as a result, they look great.
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“But I don’t think they have exceeded expectations after buying some really good players. The team looks strong, players on players.
“Now they face a sterner test against United, even if I think they are favourites as they look better than them. But United have won three games in a row, so it’s gonna be a really interesting game.”
And Ljungberg, a double Premier League champion at Highbury, talked up Arsenal’s chances of breaking Manchester City’s stranglehold.
He said: “It’s hard to say early in the season but this is Arsenal Football Club and they should always challenge for the title.”
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Asked whether red-hot £45million signing Gabriel Jesus can follow in the footsteps of his free-scoring Emirates forebears Henry, Robin van Persie and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he claimed that the trio remains a tough act to follow.
He said: “I don’t think we can put Gabriel there yet. But he has the potential and is a very talented young player. This is the first time he has a regular spot, he knows he’s gonna play week in, week out which allows him to have some confidence in his game. Let’s talk and wait until the end of the season.
“That said, Gabriel Jesus looks good but [no, he’s not] the best striker since Titi because the club has had some nice strikers since Thierry Henry. But Gabriel Jesus is devastating and I am looking forward to seeing him this season.”
Ljungberg, a TV pundit these days, then urged technical director and former team-mate Edu to head off interest by extending Bukayo Saka’s deal in N7.
He added: “He’s a fantastic young man and young player. It’s up to Arsenal now to see if they can tie him down on a long-term contract because other clubs think he’s good as well. He’s definitely an amazing player and great for Arsenal to have. Saka will become an amazing player.”
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