The Premier League title race is tightening, but former England striker Michael Owen is surprisingly sticking with Arsenal. Despite a recent wobble in form, he believes Mikel Arteta’s team can overcome the challenge posed by the relentless Manchester City.
City sent a stark warning to their rivals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This result slashed Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to just six points, injecting serious momentum into Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The upcoming clash at the Etihad Stadium looms large, offering City a golden opportunity to further close the gap. A win in that match, coupled with their game in hand, could even see them leapfrog Arsenal at the summit.
Arsenal’s recent performances have been a cause for concern, particularly their shocking defeat against Bournemouth at home. This lackluster display has fueled doubts about their ability to maintain their composure under pressure.
However, Owen predicts a response from the Gunners when they travel to Manchester. He anticipates a fierce battle, acknowledging City’s difficult upcoming schedule including away trips to Bournemouth and Everton.
While acknowledging City’s superior form, experience, and home advantage, Owen leans towards an Arsenal victory. He describes the title race as a “toss of the coin,” but ultimately believes Arsenal might “just nick it.”
Owen also defends Arsenal against accusations of consistently faltering when it matters most. He points to the gradual progression of teams like Manchester City and Liverpool before they finally secured Premier League titles.
He argues that building towards a championship is a common trajectory, contrasting Arsenal’s journey with the outlier success of Leicester City. If Arsenal fail to win this year, however, Owen concedes his theory will be challenged.
Owen believes Arsenal’s recent improvement and consistent challenge for top spots demonstrate they are on the cusp of something special. Their near misses in recent seasons suggest they are learning and growing as a team.
