From IPL Glory to PL Dreams: Aditya Tare Backs Arsenal for Back-to-Back Titles
Ex-Mumbai Indians star Aditya Tare predicts Arsenal will win consecutive Premier League titles and recalls dressing-room banter with Abhishek Nayar.
Former Mumbai Indians cricketer Aditya Tare has thrown his weight behind Arsenal to secure consecutive Premier League titles, drawing a parallel between the Gunners' current trajectory and his own experience of winning back-to-back championships in the Indian Premier League.
Speaking during the Premier League Trophy Tour in Mumbai to JioStar, Tare expressed his unwavering faith in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Currently sitting second in the 2026-27 Premier League standings, Arsenal has recorded five wins and one defeat from six matches, trailing only the perfect record of table-toppers Manchester City.
A Lifelong Passion and a Long Wait
For Tare, supporting Arsenal is more than just a preference; it is a lifelong journey. He recalled growing up as a fan and witnessing the legendary "Invincibles" season of 2003-04, where Arsenal clinched the title without losing a single match.
“It's a dream come true to be honest. Growing up, I've supported Arsenal since I was a kid... Since then, it has been a very long wait for the next title win, and after so many years of waiting and coming so close, there was a huge sense of relief when we finally won the title last season,” Tare shared.
He described the experience of seeing the Premier League trophy in person—a prize that eluded the club for 22 years—as a "surreal feeling," noting the immense significance it holds for the global fanbase.
Dressing Room Banter: Tare vs. Nayar
The rivalry for English football supremacy isn't just limited to the pitches of London and Manchester; it has spilled over into the Mumbai cricket dressing room. Tare revealed a friendly but spirited rivalry with fellow cricket expert and staunch Manchester City supporter, Abhishek Nayar.
Tare admitted that for years, he and other Arsenal fans were on the "back foot" as Manchester City dominated the league. However, last season's triumph has shifted the power dynamic.
“We've always had a lot of banter in the Mumbai cricket dressing room... it was tough being on the back foot all the time without winning the trophy and seeing City dominate. But after last season's title win, Arsenal and their fans have the bragging rights,” he remarked. While acknowledging Manchester City as a "terrific club" that puts immense pressure on any challenger, Tare remains confident that Arsenal will edge them out for back-to-back titles this season.
The Odegaard Factor
A key reason for Tare's confidence is the leadership of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. The former cricketer praised the Norwegian midfielder not just for his technical skill, but for his work ethic and ability to lead by example.
Tare highlighted Odegaard's willingness to track back and contribute defensively despite his primary role as an attacking midfielder, stating that his commitment on the pitch commands respect from his teammates and opponents alike.
The Underdog Spirit
Tare's affinity for Arsenal began in the late 1990s. During a time when Manchester United dominated English football and most of his school friends were United supporters, Tare chose to back the Gunners because he enjoyed the challenge of supporting the underdog.
Drawing on his professional experience with the Mumbai Indians, Tare believes that the hardest part of success is maintaining it. He expressed confidence that under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal possesses the quality and leadership necessary to transform a single title win into a sustained era of dominance in English football.