Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has backed Arsenal to retain the Premier League title, believing the Gunners face fewer obstacles than his former club.
Arsenal's Continuity Key
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football at TNT Sports' 'Levels' Trophy Cabinet pop-up in London, Lescott said: "It is very early [to make predictions], but you would say Arsenal. Considering the key factors, they probably have fewer obstacles ahead of them."
He added: "[Mikel] Arteta has continuity with the players and the squad now has genuine belief, so I would say Arsenal. I know how difficult it is to win back-to-back titles, so that is my overriding opinion."
City's Transition Period
Arsenal finished seven points clear of City last season after the champions fell away in May. With an injury to William Saliba and the departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola, uncertainty surrounds City's title hopes. Elliot Anderson's move to the Etihad Stadium is expected to strengthen the chasers.
On Guardiola's successor Enzo Maresca, Lescott said: "There were obviously names being speculated about but in terms of the fit, he knows the club, he knows a lot of the players. There was always going to be some form of transition when Pep left but there are probably less factors to go wrong with Enzo, so it made sense to me. Having relationships with the club, understanding how they work, and having a connection with the players, which is very important nowadays, so it was the right appointment."
Stones' Departure Praised
City have also lost John Stones to Inter Milan. Lescott, who won the league with City in 2012 and 2014, praised his former Everton teammate: "He's earned the right to make that decision. Obviously [he has been] a great servant for Man City and the Premier League. Huge talent, probably under-appreciated in the wider range of football. Some of his performances transcended how centre-backs play. He created a unique style that was probably only unique to him. Not a lot of other centre-halves could emulate the sort of stuff he was doing. So nothing but admiration and praise for John Stones."
Arsenal and City meet in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, with the match live on TNT Sports.
