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, finishing seven points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side underlined their favouritism by thumping City 3-0 in the Community Shield.
Owen's confidence in Arsenal
Owen cannot see the 'wheels falling off' at Arsenal but says there are 'question marks' over every one of their title rivals. 'Arsenal only have to stand still and they win the Premier League again,' he 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.'
Rivals face uncertainty
Pep Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season, and ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca faces the task of maintaining their high standards, especially after Rodri was sold to Barcelona. Liverpool sacked Arne Slot in May and appointed Andoni Iraola, while Chelsea hired Xabi Alonso after a 10th-place finish.
Manchester United have Michael Carrick in charge after replacing Ruben Amorim in January, but Owen left them out of his top four. Tottenham, with no European football, are tipped for a surprising third-place finish.
City and Villa concerns
Owen questioned Maresca's ability to follow Guardiola, citing examples of successors to long-term managers being 'laughed out of town'. He added: '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.'
He also dismissed Aston Villa's chances, saying they have 'punched above their weight' but are 'severely weakened' after losing Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans. Owen's top-six prediction: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City.
