Michael Owen has stated that only two clubs are capable of challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title next season. After three consecutive second-place finishes, Arsenal finally secured the Premier League title for the first time since the 2003/04 season. The Gunners nearly squandered their lead in the final stretch but recovered from a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City with four straight victories, ultimately clinching the trophy when Pep Guardiola's side dropped points against Bournemouth midweek. Arsenal's season could improve further if they defeat defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final next Saturday.
Arsenal's Title Defense
Many of Mikel Arteta's squad will also have a busy summer with the World Cup, but the Spaniard will soon shift focus to preparing for next season as he aims to defend the Premier League title for the first time in the club's history. Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Arsenal's toughest competition will come from the two Manchester clubs, who finished second and third respectively this season.
"I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester," Owen told Metro. "I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep leaves. They ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown they will be in a title race next season. With two domestic cups, they will come back stronger. It has been a while, but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived, and it is definitely that of a title contender. Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so, and I am not sure they are there just yet."
Manchester City's Transition
City is set for a major summer of transition after Pep Guardiola confirmed his intention to leave the club. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is widely touted as the likely replacement, with the Italian reportedly keen to bring Enzo Fernandez to the Etihad as his first major signing.
Manchester United's Resurgence
United confirmed the permanent appointment of Michael Carrick on Friday after his impressive run since replacing Ruben Amorim in January. No top-flight club has won more points than the 36 United have collected under Carrick. Owen is confident his former teammate can lead the Red Devils to a title challenge over a full season. "Given how long it has been since Manchester United challenged for the title, they can be dark horses," Owen, UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org, added. "From finishing bottom half under Amorim last year, Michael Carrick has come in and done an excellent job for Man Utd to finish third, so there is scope for them to improve further and mount a serious title challenge."
