Mikael Silvestre on why Kiwior makes Arsenal stronger defensively

Arsenal have a break from football until they face Manchester City on March 31st in a game that can have massive implications for the Premier League title.

Ex-Gunner and Red Devil, Mikael Silvestre, spoke about the three-horse title race and why he believes Man City are still the biggest obstacle for the Gunners. The five-time Premier League winner also gave his view on Jakub Kiwior, Declan Rice and Arsenal’s transfer links to Victor Gyokeres.

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Man City still favourites for the Champions League

Arsenal are currently joint-top of the PL table, leading Liverpool on goal difference. Manchester City are just a point behind and will be hosting the Gunners on March 31.

Silvestre sees the title race being a three-horse one but says that Man City are favourites because of the experience and the quality of bench players that they can summon.

“The three teams – Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool – will be there until the end, to fight for the title.”

“Last season it was only Arsenal and Man City and this year it’s three teams, clearly. When you come to March and you have these kinds of performances and results and it’s so close at the top of the table, it will be a three horse race.”

“Man City with the experience and the bench they’ve got, for me are still favourites.”

Jakub Kiwior is more than just a challenger for Oleksandr Zinchenko’s spot

Injuries have kept Oleksandr Zinchenko out of Arsenal’s starting XI but Jakub Kiwior has proved to be a solid option on the left.

In Silvestre’s view the Polish defender adds more defensive solidity to the side and his performances have made him more than just a challenger for Zinchenko’s spot.

“His profile is more defensive than Zinchenko. I think it’s about choices.”

“Obviously performances guide a manager but with him Arsenal are more solid. They have a strong back four with Kiwior, Gabriel, Saliba and White. More height as well with Kiwior so he’s more than a challenger for the left-back position.”

Rice and Saka could be PFA Player Of The Year Contenders

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been key players for the Gunners and Silvestre acknowledged that they could be considered for the PFA Player Of The Year award. He, however, added that they will have to win the Premier League to stand a good chance of winning the award.

“Arsenal have to finish the job and be on the winning side. They have to shift the balance and be the winning team.” 

“Rice is in superb form and so is Saka so they could be contenders if they help Arsenal to win the league.”

Silvestre commented further on Rice’s importance, calling him one of the most in form players and up there as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders.

“Rice has been very impressive. Every game he played well in and he’s reached his peak. He’s one of the top in form players in the world right now and one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.”

Gyokeres could be an interesting signing for Arsenal – Lokonga can rejuvenate his Arsenal career

Viktor Gyokeres is setting the Portuguese league alight, having scored 22 goals in 24 games. The Swedish forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Silvestre believes that he would be an interesting signing.

“At the moment I believe Arsenal are short up front and a young player like Gyokeres who is dynamic and has the stamina and the desire to take on players is something that could be interesting for Arsenal to add.” 

The Frenchman also had positive comments about Albert Sambi Lokonga, who has been gaining experience at Luton this season. Silvestre has faith in the Belgian midfielder and says that if given a second opportunity at the Emirates, he will step up.

“I believe if he were to be given a second chance he would step up.” 

“It wasn’t easy for him to come from Belgium and claim a spot with a lot of competition. A season like this with Luton where he plays 90% of the games could help him to come back and do better.”

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