Joe Hart picks his title winner and major difference between Man City and Arsenal

View 3 Images

He can be forgiven for allowing his Hart to rule his head, after winning one of the most romantic Premier League title races of all time.

But despite his emotional devotion to Manchester City, Joe Hart still believes logic suggests his former club will pip Arsenal to become champions of England once again this season.

Hart was an integral part of the most astonishing climax to a domestic season back in 2012. The goalkeeper had a front row seat to watch Sergio Aguero score that iconic goal in stoppage to see City beat QPR 3-2 at the Etihad and win the title ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United on goal difference.

Hart wheeled away in disbelief with tears in his eyes, as it began to down on him City had won their first league title in 44 years. The astonishing experience means Hart has a lifelong connection to City, where he won five major trophies.

But while he admits this is part of the reason he wants them to win the Premier League this time round, Hart also reckons it will happen because Pep Guardiola has more proven winners in his team.

City and Arsenal have been locked in a thrilling battle for the English crown in recent months, that promises to go down to the wire. Former England star Hart now works as a pundit for TNT Sports, who will be broadcasting all of this week's fixtures on TNT Sports and discovery+.

And he reckons the outcome will be the same as it was 14 years ago. He said: "I think Manchester City will win it. And I want them to win it. That's my team, I don't care. That's who I want to win it.

"This team, the current starting XI, it's not 100 per cent full of those tried and tested, but it does have Internationals and some of those who have won the lot. It's not that much of a given, like it would have been two or three seasons ago, but that's life.

View 3 Images

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

"Cycles happen and I think, when I look at City and where they are at, in terms of the (Antoine) Semenyo and (Marc) Guehi signings, they have been incredible.

"A brilliant January boost for a team that wasn't sure how things might pan out. They've put themselves in an unbelievable position.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. They've won a few scrappy games, which is key, but I'm sure they'll want to catch fire and start brushing people aside soon."

Both Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are under huge pressure, for very different reasons. Guardiola endured his worst campaign as a manger last season, when he failed to win a single trophy.

View 3 Images

While Arsenal manager Arteta has won just one piece of silverware since taking charge at the Emirates in 2019. Throw in the fact both teams can still win a historical Quadruple - and the expectations are immense.

But Hart reckons both bosses wouldn't want it any other way. He added: "Both managers are their own driving forces. Both will be putting themselves under immense pressure, so no-one gets the luxury of not being under it.

"It's the life they live at the top of the game. I don't know either of them that well, but they look like they never want to live in a world where there is never any pressure."