Peter Schmeichel names the two fixtures that could derail Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge

Peter Schmeichel has issued a warning to Arsenal (Pictures: Getty)

Peter Schmeichel has named the two fixtures that could derail Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge.

It has been 20 years since Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy but the Gunners are in a good position to end that wait this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished second last term, are currently top of the table, locked on points with Liverpool but with a superior goal difference.

Defending champions Manchester City are third as they chase a record fourth successive Premier League title.

Schmeichel knows what it takes to win league titles, having helped Manchester United win the Premier League five times during his hugely successful spell at Old Trafford.

The legendary goalkeeper believes Arsenal will be crowned champions this year – but only if they beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

German champions Bayern, currently second in the Bundesliga following a disappointing run of form, travel to north London on Tuesday night for the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Asked for his take on the Premier League title race, Schmeichel told talkSPORT: ‘I think when you look at just the defences, Arsenal and Man City are at a very similar level.

‘You look at the options Pep Guardiola has got in his backline, he has got some great players back there and a lot of experience.

‘Seven games seems not very much for people who haven’t been in a title race before, it feels like you’re already there. But seven game – 21 points – is a long way to go. You have to really focus and concentrate.

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‘Everyone is pointing to Arsenal now but they have a few challenges coming up, the first one is Bayern Munich. It’s one thing playing in the Premier League and getting on a roll but you need to play another way in the Champions League.

‘So these Bayern games will play a very big part in the title race. They’re not too experienced with this, either. They needed penalties to beat Porto remember.

‘You have to keep the momentum in a title race and I look at those Bayern games, if they get through them I think they will win the Premier League.’

Arsenal will be wary of falling away in the title race after leading the Premier League for much of last season only to finish five points behind Man City.

The Gunners look a superior team to the one that finished second last season, however, and maintained their title charge with an impressive 3-0 win over Brighton at the weekend.

Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City also recorded a victory at Crystal Palace but Liverpool dropped two potentially crucial points in an eventful 2-2 draw at Manchester United.

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