Former Arsenal forward Benik Afobe wants the Gunners to win the Premier League – but Arsene Wenger makes Leicester City title favourites
Arsenal's Mesut Ozil - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images
Former Arsenal player Benik Afobe wants the North London giants to win the Premier League this season.
Speaking moments after his Bournemouth side were beaten 2-0 by a resolute display from the team he signed for as an eight-year-old he spoke in glowing terms about his old teammates and manager.
The Cherries £10million signing from Wolves during January’s transfer window told the Islington Gazette: “i have nothing but respect for Arsenal Football Club, its players and my former manager Arsene Wenger.
“They are a great club and I wish them all the best. I really hope they go on to win the Premier League this season – with Bournemouth staying up.”
The talented forward looked lively at times during the early kick-off this afternoon at the Vitality Stadium on the south coast – but was thwarted by a resolute Gunners backline.
The pacy frontman who had six loan spells away from Arsenal during his time at the club as his career stalled explained: “I gave it my all today but it wasn’t to be.
“Arsenal have some superb players and they are a class act. I will continue to give my all for Bournemouth but our Premier League survival isn’t based on beating teams like Arsenal.”
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Clutching Olivier Giroud’s shirt after the game added; “He said some nice things about me this week.
“I don’t know why he gets so much criticism as he is a class player,” before joking: “I asked for his shirt after the game and he kindly gave it to me – I don’t know how much he wanted mine though!”
Manager Arsene Wenger speaking afterwards with one eye on next Sunday’s huge clash against high-flying Leicester City at The Emirates said: “Bournemouth are a very good side, and Eddie Howe is a very good English manager.
“But it was all about the three points today. I am very glad we won.
“With Leicester beating Liverpool and Manchester City in a week you have to say they are now favourites for the Premier League – but we are looking forward to next week’s game as we come away from this game with confidence.”
