Michael Owen makes bold Arsenal title claim and bleak Man Utd prediction

Michael Owen believes another Arsenal title win is ‘set in stone’ and has left Manchester United out of his Premier League top-four prediction.

The Gunners clinched their first Premier League title since 2004 last season, eventually finishing seven points ahead of second-placed Man City after a turbulent title race. 

Mikel Arteta’s side, who also reached the Champions League final last term, underlined why they are favourites to lift the Premier League trophy yet again this season by thumping Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday. 

Owen cannot see the ‘wheels falling off’ at Arsenal but says there are ‘question marks’ over every single one of their Premier League title rivals. 

Legendary manager Pep Guardiola left the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season and it remains to be seen whether ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca can maintain Man City’s extremely high standards, especially given World Cup winner Rodri has been sold to Barcelona. 

Liverpool sacked title-winning boss Arne Slot back in May and have put their faith in former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to get the Reds challenging for major honours once again. 

Chelsea, who only finished 10th in the Premier League last season, also have a new manager after ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge. 

There is more stability at Manchester United, with Michael Carrick replacing Ruben Amorim back in January, but the prospect of Champions League football will test the Old Trafford squad.

Tottenham have no such issues in their calendar and Owen believes Spurs can take advantage of their reduced schedule by claiming a surprising third-place finish in the Premier League.

‘Arsenal only have to stand still and they win the Premier League again,’ Owen said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

‘I can’t see anyone jumping out of the pack and getting 85 points whereas Arsenal are pretty much guaranteed to hit that number again.

‘They’re such a steady team with such a good goalkeeper and defence, I just can’t see the wheels falling off.

‘They’re just guaranteed to post a number, it won’t be a number that Man City or Liverpool hit in the past but I just can’t see anyone matching them.

‘There’s too many questions over the others teams, there’s questions everywhere this season with all the new managers bar Arsenal.

‘They will be steady and get mid to late 80s and I don’t think anyone can beat that. 

‘I think there’s more question marks over this season than ever before, which is why I think Arsenal are just set in stone to win the Premier League.

‘There’s question marks over every single team, big question marks, except for Arsenal.’

Explaining why he believes Man City are set to struggle in their first season without Guardiola, Owen added: ‘Who has done well following a long-term manager?

‘You think of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, the next manager was laughed out of town, and the same happened after Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United.

‘It’s not an easy thing to do, following those great managers. I’m not sure how many success stories there’s been so it could be really difficult for Enzo Maresca.

‘And let’s get it right Man City aren’t an amazing team at the moment. There’s been a lot of change at that club and if Rodri goes that’s going to kill them.’

While Owen expects Manchester City to struggle, he believes Tottenham are capable of climbing 14 places up the table and qualify for the Champions League.

‘I want to be brave and say Tottenham [to finish third],’ the former England striker said. ‘I think they could have a brilliant year.

‘The manager is brilliant and they’ve spent so well, they’ve spent a fortune. They’re not in Europe. You know what? I’m happy leaving Man City out of the top-four.

‘I don’t think Aston Villa will do well either, they’ve punched above their weight for a few years now.

‘But they’re severely weakened, they’ve lost two of their best players in Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.’

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