Michael Owen says he is backing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to secure the 2022/23 Premier League title over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The former England striker noted how Arsenal are the ‘new kids on the block’ compared to the tried and tested Manchester City, who have won four out of the last five Premier League titles.
That included becoming champions of England on the last day of the 2021/22 season when they came from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and, as a result, pip Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to the top crown.
At the current rate the Premier League’s top two are throwing punches at each other this season, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if it goes to the final day again.
But, on Wednesday night, Arteta will be fully aware that his team face a very important game against Everton, their game in hand, which will allow them to open a five-point lead at the top.
This could be huge because it will provide the current leaders with that bit of breathing space during this drama-filled, stomach-turning and hectic title race, with Owen sharing his thoughts, as he told Premier League Productions.
“We all know how hard it is going away from home in the Premier League,” said Owen. “That can knock your confidence. You are going head-to-head with a team that has been there, seen it and done it. You feel as if you are the new kids on the block.
“Then, all of a sudden, the first big one you play against each other and Manchester City beat you. That can leave you reeling and really knock your confidence, so to bounce back the way they have, has been very impressive.
“It’s a toss of a coin, isn’t it?! You have a team that hasn’t done it for 13 years or something. They have a slight points advantage, then you have the tried and tested, just sat there waiting for that mistake. And they still have to go to the Etihad as well.
“I prefer to be sat there with points in the bank. I would probably side with the Gunners to win it this year.”
ARSENAL AREN’T GOING AWAY
It’s understandable if many are expecting Manchester City to knock Arsenal off the top and go on one of their crazy-winning runs.
That’s why they are the current champions and they have dominated for the past five years.
But this title-hungry Arsenal side isn’t going away. Legendary status is on the cards for these players and the chance to etch their names into the rich trophy-winning history books of the north London club.
From star boy and Hale-End academy product Bukayo Saka to the rejuvenated former captain, Granit Xhaka.
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