Midnite, one of the fastest-growing betting and casino companies in the world, has today proven that it really is BUILT DIFFERENT, by becoming the first betting app to place a bet in space. The bet in question backed England to win the World Cup, and was placed by former England midfielder Gareth Barry
A 1-0 win against Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday, thanks to Eberechi Eze's early set-piece goal, saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the table once more as they jumped above title rivals Manchester City.
Could Guardiola end his Man City spell with a flourish?
City, managed by Pep Guardiola are still chasing a treble this season and are seeking to grab more silverware after beating Arsenal in the EFL Cup final last month.
With reports suggesting it could be the Spaniard's final campaign, Barry spoke to Tribal Football about how the 55-year-old will go down in history after over a decade of constant success.
“Yeah, I think they can. I always felt, if they're in and around it at this period, with the experience they have in terms of the manager and the players, that they're always going to be my favourites to probably edge Arsenal.
"They (Arsenal) have had a fantastic season, but possibly haven't got that know-how at the business end, so they're (City) sort of edging it for me, but certainly a couple of twists and turns, it's not going to be straightforward for them.
“It would be unbelievable (for Guardiola). It would be the icing on the cake if he can go out with the Premier League and possibly the FA Cup, the domestic treble, if you like.
"So that would be the perfect way to go out. But listen, if it doesn't happen, the league or the FA Cup, fans will always remember Pep Guardiola for the way he came in and managed their team, huge success. So yeah, he will go down as one of the greatest managers ever.”
'Bottlers' is harsh
Arsenal have won 11 games by just one goal in the Premier League this season and have failed in recent weeks to perform like title favourites under manager Mikel Arteta.
The North London side are often called "bottlers" by rival fans, a title that Barry believes is harsh, as they try to spoil a fairytale ending for Guardiola.
"Yeah, I think it's harsh. There are other great teams in the Premier League over the years that they've finished above. This season again, knocking on the door. Bottlers is probably a harsh word, but it will just be frustration for him (Arteta).
“I think when you come in so close, year in, year out, thinking you're possibly learning from the year before where you've had that little gap. But listen, it's not all over. If I were in that Arsenal dressing room now, you'd be using that. You'll be using quotes like that, and the banner that Man City put up.
"You'll be using that as fuel to fire, if you like, to go and storm the last five or six games, whatever's left, go and win every game and prove people wrong. So Arsenal should be using that as some inspiration.”
Are Arsenal feeling the pressure?
Arsenal’s hopes of clinching a first top-flight title in 22 years are still alive, but with so many nervy performances, Barry suggests the pressure may be getting to them in what is an intense clash at the top.
“I think it is the experience of being there before. Listen, we're humans and when the games are getting that big, you're naturally getting a tiny bit nervous. Your body's working slightly differently.
"Legs can get a bit jellified at the end of the games when it's close, but the experience of being there and doing it before certainly helps, and the two managers are completely different.
"Everything seems to be going in Man City's favour in terms of the players and manager. But listen, it only takes one moment. So both sets of players have got to be ready.”
Could Arteta be sacked?
Arteta famously employs unconventional methods on the training ground. In 2023, he brought a dog named Win into training and hired professional pickpockets to attend a team dinner to take phones and wallets from players.
This season is no different as he lit a fire in training, as well as making players balance a ball whilst pressing on pens, whilst also having players play alongside a giant screen with TikTok compilations.
Despite his antics, Barry has backed his techniques as he weighed in on Arteta's job security if he does not lift the title after years of heartbreak, which often sees the club finish second best.
"If you can get that extra 1%, why not try it? Listen, if I were in that dressing room, if you're respecting the manager, you're going with it, if it's going to help you, sure, they would have got a few laughs and giggles in the dressing room after, but it's gonna put something in your head. Why not try it?"
"Nothing surprises you in football, does it? But I just think they're so close now. I think sacking him might be a backward step. There's no guarantee. Other clubs have managers coming in and, you know, lasting half a season.
"That's probably not Arsenal, not where Arsenal want to go. For me, I'd stick with him, and he just needs to find that right player, or right two players that can, you know, just flip things with Man City, maybe. So that would certainly be the angle I'd be looking at the recruitment, just trying to find that player that can make the difference."
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