Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has identified Manchester United as Arsenal's 'biggest contenders' in the Premier League this season. His comments come after Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal's Title Defence Begins
Arsenal ended a 22-year title drought last term and now begin their defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday night. The win over City was a statement of intent, with Calafiori scoring inside 23 seconds against new City manager Enzo Maresca.
Mikel Arteta's side will face tough matches against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Sunderland after their opener, and the manager is aware of the challenges ahead.
Gray's Title Predictions
On the Keys & Gray Unleashed YouTube channel, former Aston Villa and Everton striker Andy Gray named Arsenal as a 'good shout' for the title and dismissed Manchester City's chances under Maresca.
'I don't fancy Manchester City, there you go. I don't fancy Manchester City with Enzo Maresca,' Gray said. 'Arsenal is a good shout. Liverpool, no. Manchester United are a toss of the coin for me. I'm glad they've kept Michael Carrick, but I don't know who would be Arsenal's biggest contenders.'
Gray on Chelsea and Aston Villa
Gray suggested Xabi Alonso could 'surprise everybody' at Chelsea, noting their talented squad and the addition of Morgan Rogers. However, he expressed concerns about Aston Villa after the departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers.
'I'd love to think that Aston Villa could improve again,' Gray said. 'But when you lose Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, okay they've bought a couple in… is it going to make them any better? I think no on the surface of it.'
Keys' Pick and Chelsea Concerns
Keys, who left beIN SPORTS with Gray at the end of last season, was impressed by Michael Carrick's work at Manchester United. He said: 'I think United because they've had half a season or more, they've settled. I'm not an enormous admirer of Marcus Rashford but I think he's a player and getting him back is a bonus.'
Keys also voiced concerns about Chelsea's off-pitch issues, calling the dressing room 'a viper's nest' and criticizing the club's management. He hopes Alonso can succeed but noted the difficulties he faced at Real Madrid.
