“Ola Aina’s Advice for Arsenal: What the Gunners Need to Win the Premier League”
As the English Premier League unfolds this season, Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has weighed in on Arsenal’s chances of clinching the coveted title. Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, the versatile full-back shared his insights on what the North London side must do to end their title drought.
Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, have come heartbreakingly close over the past two seasons, finishing second behind Manchester City. However, this season poses new challenges. The Gunners currently sit third on the table after 17 games, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Adding to their woes, key players like Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are sidelined with injuries, leaving the squad stretched as they face a grueling run of ten matches in just four weeks across multiple competitions.
Aina, whose Nottingham Forest side is defying expectations this season by sitting fourth—a feat the club hasn’t achieved in 30 years—believes Arsenal’s issue lies in their lack of depth.
“They’ve finished second for two seasons now. I think they need depth. Squad depth. They’re competing in several competitions, and you need players for that,” said the former Fulham defender.
Aina’s own performances have drawn acclaim, with the Nigerian international earning a spot in BBC’s Team of the Week twice this season. His words carry weight, as Nottingham Forest continues to punch above its weight in the Premier League.
The road ahead for Arsenal is steep, but if they take Aina’s advice to heart, they might just turn their near-misses into triumphs.