Gilberto Silva makes Premier League title prediction as he assesses Arsenal’s season

Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva predicts a five-horse race for the Premier League title, though he admits the Gunners won’t be in the running.

Silva, who has made 244 appearances for Arsenal, said it was “very difficult” for him to name former Tottenham rivals as potential title winners, but says their form under Jose Mourinho is impossible to ignore.

Spurs are at the top of the division with 21 points in their first 10 games, beating Liverpool by goal difference.

Silva says Liverpool remain “very strong” candidates to defend the title, while the other two teams in the top four – Chelsea and Leicester – are contenders.

The Brazilian also refused to rule out Manchester City moving up in the league after their mixed start to the season.

“I think Liverpool are an obvious team that will be up there,” said Silva Ladbrokes . “They are obviously still very strong.

“I’m interested in seeing Leicester this year. Manchester City and Chelsea will be too.

“It’s hard for me to say, but I think Tottenham will be another horse in the title race. Jose Mourinho knows the game very well and knows how to handle the pressure.

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“He knows mind games very well. If players understand the way he works, then they have a very good chance. He has already done this with many teams.

“He has experience and the ability to manage his players. For sure, every time he goes to a club he creates a winning mentality.

“It is very difficult for me to say that Tottenham are fighting for the title. But I am an honest person. I cannot lie to myself. They are doing a good job, as we have done in the past, and that is a fact.

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“So when you see the facts right in front of you it’s very hard to go against them. There are a lot of games to play and this competition is about consistency, so let’s see.”

Meanwhile, Silva opened Arsenal’s start to the season, which sees his former team 14th in the standings after losing more games (five) than they have won (four).

The former Gunners ‘Invincible’ midfielder added: “I always think we will have a better understanding of how things will be by the end of the season after Christmas. I think it’s a good time to make these predictions.

“After Christmas you have played quite a few games, and it is such a difficult time both physically and mentally. After Christmas every game becomes important for those teams at the top of the table.

“If you lose a game and your rivals win for the title, suddenly you don’t have as much time to recover that defeat. It’s the same for the top of the leaderboard as it is for those fighting relegation.”

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