Robert Pires has claimed that Arsenal deserve to win the Premier League this season.
Arsene Wenger's side have trailed leaders Chelsea for the entirety of the campaign, and were outside of the top four for a large portion of the season before breaking back into the Champions League places in February.
However, the Frenchman is adamant that the Gunners' performances this season have warranted their first title since the 2003-04 season, but feels that they may rue missed opportunities once again at the end of the campaign.
"In my opinion, this year, Arsenal deserved to be champion, and they won't be far away," Pires told Perform. "[But] I think, once more, there will be some little regrets at the end of the season.
"It's tough and frustrating for the fans. Every time, Arsenal is close. It's because of the important games that you can't lose, against Chelsea, [Manchester] City and [Manchester] United.
"But this is the difference. Because against the smaller teams, sometimes there is a misstep or an accident."
Pires was part of the last Arsenal team to win the title 11 years ago.
