Rooney's Verdict: Gunners Hold Slight Edge in Title Race
Football legend Wayne Rooney has declared Arsenal his slight favourites to win the Premier League this season, despite Manchester City delivering a statement performance by thrashing defending champions Liverpool 3-0. The crucial match, which marked Pep Guardiola's 1,000th game in management, saw City close the gap on the league-leading Gunners to just four points.
City Dominate in Landmark Guardiola Game
The encounter at the Etihad was a one-sided affair, with City producing what many are calling an ominously strong display. The deadlock was broken by Erling Haaland, who powered in a deflected header shortly after seeing a penalty saved by Liverpool's goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The match took a controversial turn when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk saw a powerful header ruled out for offside, a decision that was widely criticised by pundits. Seizing the reprieve, City doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time through Nico Gonzalez.
Any hopes of a Liverpool comeback were extinguished on the hour mark, as the impressive Jeremy Doku curled in a fine strike to put the game to bed. The convincing victory sees City climb to second in the table, firmly establishing themselves as the primary challengers to Arsenal's title bid.
Arsenal Stumble as Title Race Heats Up
The north London outfit have been in sensational form this season, suffering only one defeat. However, their momentum was checked on Saturday by a disappointing 2-2 draw with Sunderland, in which they conceded an injury-time goal.
Despite this setback, Mikel Arteta's side still boast a four-point lead over Manchester City and sit a staggering seven places above a struggling Liverpool side. This context led Rooney to back the Gunners to end their 22-year wait for a league title.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney analysed the race: 'I think it will be difficult for Liverpool now. I know Arsenal dropped points at the weekend but you look at their form overall and the way Man City are coming into a great run, it will be difficult for Liverpool.'
He added, 'But it's still early in the season so you never know. I just think Arsenal and Man City are the two favourites now. Arsenal will be a little bit nervous about Man City coming up but I think it will be one of them two. I still probably edge towards Arsenal. I have Arsenal as slight favourites.'
This stands in stark contrast to last season, where Liverpool won the league by ten points. Their title defence has been disastrous, with five losses in their opening 11 games leaving them eight points adrift of Arsenal.
Following the defeat to City, Liverpool manager Arne Slot refused to discuss title ambitions, instead focusing on his team's performance. 'It was a very good start of the week and a very bad end to the week,' Slot said. 'Today, I don't think, apart from that decision, that it was ever going to be our game. In general they were the better team – we need to improve.'
With the battle for the Premier League crown intensifying, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can hold their nerve or if Manchester City's formidable form will see them overtake their rivals.
