Michael Owen has declared that Arsenal's Premier League title triumph this season is 'set in stone' and has omitted Manchester United from his top-four prediction. The former England striker believes the Gunners, who secured their first league title since 2004 last season, are virtually guaranteed to retain the crown despite significant changes at rival clubs.
Arsenal's Dominance and Rivals' Uncertainty
Arsenal finished seven points clear of Manchester City in the previous campaign and also reached the Champions League final. Their 3-0 Community Shield victory over City on Sunday underlined their status as favourites. Owen, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, said: 'Arsenal only have to stand still and they win the Premier League again. 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.'
He added: '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.'
Man City's Transition and Managerial Changes
Owen highlighted the turmoil at several top clubs. Pep Guardiola departed Manchester City at the end of last season, with Enzo Maresca taking over. Rodri, the World Cup winner, has been sold to Barcelona. Owen said: '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.'
He continued: '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.' Liverpool also have a new boss, Andoni Iraola, replacing the sacked Arne Slot, while Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso after a 10th-place finish. Manchester United, under Michael Carrick since January, face the added challenge of Champions League football.
Owen's Top-Six and Tottenham's Surge
Owen's predicted top six places Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City in that order. He boldly tipped Tottenham to finish third, climbing 14 places from last season. He said: 'I want to be brave and say Tottenham [to finish third]. 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.'
He also dismissed Aston Villa's chances: '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.' Owen's comments come as Arsenal prepare to defend their title, with the new season set to begin shortly.
