Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has delivered a provocative assessment of Arsenal's current Premier League position, suggesting the Gunners have been "semi-handed" the title in what he characterises as an uncompetitive season.
Context for Arsenal's Commanding Lead
Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table with a six-point advantage over reigning champions Manchester City. This buffer was extended following last weekend's fixtures, where Mikel Arteta's side secured a victory twenty-four hours before City were held to a draw by Tottenham Hotspur.
The north London club are seeking to end a painful run of three consecutive second-place finishes and clinch their first league crown since the famous 'Invincibles' season of 2004. However, Owen contends that the context of their potential triumph is coloured by the underperformance of their traditional rivals.
Owen's Analysis of the Title Race
Speaking to talkSPORT, Owen elaborated on his view that Arsenal have faced insufficient pressure in their pursuit of glory. "I don't think there's anybody good enough to compete with them this season," Owen stated, "even though I don't think the points total is going to be that good."
He identified only Liverpool and Manchester City as potential challengers at the season's outset, noting both have "obviously" faltered. "So I think Arsenal certainly will have won it," Owen concluded, "but they've been semi-handed it. I think nobody's put much pressure on them, so I think the league is nearly wrapped up."
This perspective is underscored by the projected points total. Arsenal have amassed 53 points from 24 games, a rate that would see them finish the campaign with approximately 83 points. Should this transpire, it would represent the lowest winning tally since Leicester City's remarkable 2016 triumph and sit a significant 17 points shy of Manchester City's Premier League record.
Quadruple Hopes Dismissed Despite Strong Position
When questioned on Arsenal's chances of achieving an unprecedented quadruple this season, Owen was emphatic in his dismissal. "No, I don't think so," he responded, before acknowledging the team's qualities. "I think they are special, they're a very strong side, they're very efficient."
Owen conceded that the Carabao Cup is a realistic target, with Arsenal already having booked their place in the final where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United. However, he foresaw greater challenges in the other competitions.
"All the other teams are going to be focusing on the FA Cup even more now because the league is almost over," Owen suggested. "It's going to salvage their season so they'll be putting strong teams out. Then there's the Champions League, that could be anybody's, that's really open this year."
European Success and Domestic Inconsistency
Arsenal's form has presented a curious dichotomy. In Europe, they have been imperious, becoming the first side in the newly revamped Champions League format to win all of their opening group games, a run that included a victory over German giants Bayern Munich.
Domestically, however, their journey has been marked by inconsistency. While they lead the table, they have occasionally dropped points in matches where their main title rival, Manchester City, has failed to capitalise and close the gap. This pattern has contributed to Owen's thesis that the championship is being gifted as much as it is being won.
The coming months will determine whether Arsenal can convert their commanding, if somewhat fortuitous, league position into a tangible trophy, and whether they can prove Owen's scepticism about their all-conquering potential wrong.
