Mumbai, 16 October (H.S.): Indian cricketer and long-time Arsenal supporter Aditya Tare believes the club can win the English Premier League title for a second consecutive season. Following Arsenal’s title triumph, Tare said supporters who stood by the club during Manchester City’s period of dominance now have an opportunity to celebrate their team’s achievements and engage in some friendly banter with rival fans.

In an interview with JioStar during the ongoing Premier League Trophy Tour in Mumbai, Tare described seeing the trophy up close as a dream come true. He spoke about his long-standing association with Arsenal, his friendly rivalry with fellow cricket expert and Manchester City supporter Abhishek Nayar, and his confidence in the club’s prospects of retaining the championship.

Tare said he had supported Arsenal since childhood and recalled the club’s historic 2003-04 campaign, when the team won the Premier League without losing a single match. That legendary side became known as the ‘Invincibles’.

“Having supported Arsenal since childhood, standing next to this trophy feels like a dream come true. The team won the title without losing a single match in 2003-04, after which there was a long wait for another championship. Arsenal came close on several occasions but could not quite get over the line. Winning the title at last brought immense relief. Now, seeing the trophy in person 22 years later and appreciating how much it means to the club and its supporters is a truly special experience. I am proud of my team,” Tare said.

Friendly Rivalry with Manchester City Supporters

Speaking about his friendly rivalry with Manchester City supporter Abhishek Nayar, Tare said the subject had long been a source of jokes and debate in Mumbai’s cricket dressing rooms. Several players there support Manchester United, while Nayar has remained a Manchester City fan from the beginning.

“When our team was unable to win the title and Manchester City were dominating, it was difficult to keep defending Arsenal. But after winning the championship last season, Arsenal and its supporters finally have the opportunity to take pride in their achievement and have their say,” Tare said.

However, he acknowledged Manchester City’s quality, describing it as an outstanding club capable of putting sustained pressure on any team competing for the title. Tare expects another closely contested championship race this season but remains confident that Arsenal can become champions for a second consecutive year.

Praise for Captain Martin Ødegaard’s Leadership

Praising Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, Tare said the midfielder commands respect through his conduct both on and off the pitch. He highlighted Ødegaard’s role as an attacking midfielder, as well as his impressive commitment to defensive responsibilities.

According to Tare, Ødegaard leads through his performances and hard work on the pitch. He described the Norwegian as one of those players who set an example through their actions rather than relying solely on words.

Choosing Arsenal as the Underdogs

Tare said his affection for Arsenal began in the late 1990s, when he was playing football at school. At the time, Manchester United dominated the Premier League, while Arsenal frequently finished second or third in the standings.

“I have always enjoyed supporting teams that people consider underdogs. Almost all my school friends supported Manchester United, but I chose Arsenal. The team won the Premier League in the 1997-98 season. The football played under manager Arsène Wenger, with legendary players such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, was truly special,” he said.

Tare added that Wenger’s distinctive style of football came to be known as ‘Wengerball’. The team’s attractive, attacking approach was the main reason he became an Arsenal supporter.

Indian Fans Hope for Sustained Success

Addressing Arsenal supporters in India, Tare said the club’s success had rewarded fans for their patience after a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy. He believes winning a title can give a team the confidence needed to pursue consecutive championships.

Tare, who has previously been part of the Mumbai Indians squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), described winning two consecutive titles as a special achievement. He said not every team gets the opportunity to become champion in successive seasons, but Arsenal has the potential to establish sustained dominance in the Premier League over the coming years.

Highlighting manager Mikel Arteta’s role, Tare said the team possesses all the qualities required to achieve continued success. He expressed hope that Arsenal supporters would have many more occasions to celebrate in the years ahead.

The Premier League fixture between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, at 9 pm IST. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar