Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero believes Mikel Arteta should not be under pressure to win the Premier League with Arsenal - but has backed the Spaniard to do so "sooner rather than later".

The Gunners have finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League twice since Arteta succeeded Unai Emery as manager in December 2019.

But this season, the North Londoners have failed to capitalise on City's limp defence of the trophy and, as a result, find themselves six points behind league leaders Liverpool.

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As a result, Arteta has faced some criticism from sections of the club's fanbase for failing to pounce on City's downfall ahead of Liverpool, who are in their first season under head coach Arne Slot.

However, Aguero believes there should be no pressure on Arteta to deliver the first Premier League title to the Emirates Stadium since 2004, as he hailed the "consistency" the Gunners have shown in recent seasons.

"I don’t see why Arteta should feel pressured to do so. Look at where were before he arrived and how they’ve evolved under his guidance," Aguero, who worked with Arteta at City, told Stake.com.

"They’ve been consistently competing at the top, which isn’t easy when you’re up against sides like City and Liverpool who have also been giving concerted efforts to take the trophy.

"Arsenal, since entering this new cycle, have shown up consistently.

"They've got great players and a newfound trademark play style. "The fans ought to be happy.

"I'm sure winning the Premier League is their end goal, and I believe it's bound to happen sooner than later."

Arsenal lost valuable ground on Liverpool on Saturday night as they squandered a 2-0 lead against Aston Villa.

The Gunners are next in Premier League action on Saturday when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers.