Michael Owen has stated that Arsenal are ‘never’ going to catch Liverpool in the next ‘two’ years, but perhaps it will take ‘three or four’, as he told Premier League Productions (20/03/22 at 7:55 pm).
The former striker added that Arsenal should secure fourth in the Premier League table this season, after taking command of that spot during the past few weeks.
For large parts of the season, Mikel Arteta and his players have been the standout team from those chasing that final Champions League spot.
In recent weeks, they have moved into fourth, and added with their games in hand, they will feel that they should get the job done when the final ball is kicked in May.
But, looking forward, Owen shared how long it will take the Gunners to catch the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
“I do (think they will get fourth),” said Owen. “I think Arsenal fans should be hoping to get fourth, then look to be getting higher in the future.
“They are never going to get to Liverpool and Manchester City in the next year or two.
“But maybe three or four. It takes a lot to get to that real level. All of a sudden, they are showing signs of having the attributes that you need to start mounting a challenge.
“They say things go in cycles. Arsenal fans have waited long enough. Their time might just be coming in the next few years.”
It’s baby steps for Arsenal because, when they suffered three defeats on the bounce at the start of the campaign, then anything could have happened.
If Arteta was sacked by the club, then no-one would have really argued because he didn’t have much to shout about.
But, it just goes to show how far having patience with an individual can do because they are now reaping the rewards of that now.
Not only are Arsenal worthy of finishing fourth, but they have a young squad at their disposal that is only getting better and better.
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