Arsenal would not have 'bottled' title if they miss out - Cairney

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney says it would be "unfair" to call Arsenal "bottle jobs" if they are pipped to the Premier League title again by Manchester City this season.

Despite trailing the Gunners by eight points on 7 April last season, Pep Guardiola's side were crowned champions with a game left to play.

But this time round, just one point separates the two with City currently trailing Arsenal but boasting a game in hand.

So, if the same happens this year, can it be classed as a successful season for Mikel Arteta's side?

"They will have been leading the Premier League twice, and last season was by quite a way, so if Manchester City catch them twice everyone will say they have bottled it," said Cairney on the Footballer's Football Podcast.

"It is unfair to say that because of the points tally they have been getting and the strength of the City team chasing them.

"I would not call them bottle jobs this time because he [Arteta] has improved Arsenal and has taken them to the next level. They are so competitive in every fixture and they batter teams.

"He has done an incredible job, but he is up against a super machine."

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