Phil Jones Predicts Arsenal's Path to Premier League Glory in 2025-26
Arsenal stand as the leading contenders for this season's Premier League championship due to the exceptional adaptability of Mikel Arteta's team, according to former Manchester United and England centre-back Phil Jones.
With title holders Liverpool facing difficulties and usual challengers Manchester City appearing below their typical standards, Arsenal have taken command of the championship race, excelling defensively while discovering methods to secure victory in even the most challenging matches.
Arteta has encountered criticism for an apparent dependence on set-pieces, free kicks and throw-ins, but Jones believes this represents just one aspect of what makes the Gunners so formidable.
"I find it enjoyable," Jones commented about contemporary football during his debut as a regular contributor on Sports Illustrated Football Club, the fresh weekly program from Sports Illustrated.
"I observe football today and feel pleased that throw-ins have returned to prominence. I'm delighted that deep free kicks and aerial battles are back in the sport and it's not constantly a tactical chess match because that's what we cherished, what we experienced growing up and loved deeply, and it creates such competitiveness in matches now.
"I believe the greatest praise you can give Arsenal currently is that they're flexible and can adjust to any match situation. When they need to play rough, they can be physical. When they need to build through the phases, they can construct play. When they need to counter-attack, they're capable of that too.
"They can face any opponent at any moment with whatever tactical approach they choose to employ. That's the highest praise I can offer Arsenal. That's precisely why, in my opinion, they'll claim the title this season. I believe this is their year to win it."
Jones: Physical Standards on Another Level Compared to Previous Eras
Jones, an important squad member during United's 2012–13 Premier League championship victory, experienced a remarkable beginning to his career while progressing through Blackburn Rovers' academy system.
The defender rapidly gained worldwide recognition and was considered a potential future star of the sport. He would eventually make 229 appearances for the Red Devils over 12 seasons, though Jones suspects he might not have achieved such success in today's game.
"When I broke into Blackburn's senior team, I believed I possessed sufficient technical ability," he recalled. "I felt I was capable enough, but I was far from matching the athletic prowess that some of these current players... the physical strength that these modern players bring to the squad, I simply didn't possess that.
"I consider now, if I were emerging in this current era... certainly, I believe I would have enjoyed a successful career nonetheless, but I'm uncertain whether I'd have competed at that elite, elite standard. I'm not attempting to undervalue myself.
"I think the physical power of these young players coming through today is remarkable, at 16, 17 years of age, and as a defender you must possess that quality. You must have pace now. You can't really survive being slow or lacking the ability to play in advanced positions. Teams prefer to operate around the halfway line. If you lack the capacity to sprint back 30, 40 yards, you face serious difficulties."