Michael Owen Backs Arsenal for Premier League Glory as City Faces Decline

Arsenal’s Premier League Prospects

Michael Owen believes Arsenal will finally end their Premier League title drought this season. After finishing second to Manchester City in the last two campaigns, Owen is confident that the Gunners, who last won the league in 2004, will triumph this term.

Manchester City’s Predicted Drop

Owen predicts a significant drop-off for Manchester City, suggesting they will finish fourth. This would be the lowest league finish for Pep Guardiola in his managerial career. The former Liverpool striker thinks City’s domestic focus might wane, potentially prioritizing the Champions League instead.

Top Four Predictions

Owen has also made bold predictions for the rest of the top four:

• Arsenal: Expected to clinch the title.
• Liverpool: Backed to finish second under new manager Arne Slot, despite some uncertainties.
• Aston Villa: Tipped to secure third place and consolidate their status as a Champions League team.
• Manchester City: Predicted to finish fourth, with a potential focus shift towards European success.

Owen shared his thoughts with Casino Hawks, expressing that if City struggles early in the season, their priorities might change, leading to a surprise finish in the league.

Struggles for Promoted Teams

Owen also commented on the challenges facing newly promoted teams. He predicts Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton will struggle and return to the Championship. This trend, according to Owen, might become more common as promoted teams find it increasingly difficult to stay in the top flight.

Relegation Concerns

Reflecting on the previous season, Owen noted that points deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest made the relegation battle more competitive. He suggested that without these deductions, the relegation of promoted teams would have been more decisive.

Overall, Owen’s insights highlight a potential shake-up in the Premier League standings, with Arsenal poised for success and Manchester City possibly focusing on European glory.