Premier League outright predictions: Glory for Gunners at last
- Man City have won the title four years in a row
- Arsenal have been runners-up for past two seasons
- Recommended bet: Arsenal to win Premier League
Arsenal have finished as runners-up behind Manchester City in the last two seasons but the Gunners could be about to usurp the reigning champions.
Arsenal have progressed impressively under Arteta in recent years and have gone toe-to-toe with a dominant City side in in the past two campaigns, finishing five points behind them two seasons ago and then just two points adrift last term.
However, this could be the year Arsenal's 20-year wait for the title ends.
Gunners look good for another title bid
Arsenal look to be on an upward trajectory under the astute guidance of Arteta, evidenced by their points totals rising from 61 in 2020-2021 to 69 the following year, before they amassed 84 points in 2023 and, most recently, 89, last term.
There is so much quality throughout Arteta's squad from William Saliba at the back, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield and Bukayo Saka up front – to name just four – that they can hurt anyone in Europe on their day and most of the squad have now built up significant experience of a title race.
Complacent City could be weaker
City could well be heading into Pep Guardiola's final season in charge, if reports the Spaniard will leave at the end of the season are to be believed, so the Citizens will not be giving up their cherished crown in a hurry.
However, after triumphing in the past four years, there could be some complacency at the Etihad and Arsenal, who are desperate to win the title again, can take advantage if the Citizens instead put more emphasis on their European ambitions in the revamped Champions League.
City have not been that active in the transfer window, with Julian Alvarez's pending £81.5million exit to Atletico Madrid set to be their biggest piece of business.
Brazilian winger Savinho has joined and he looks like an exciting capture, but it is more a case of status quo at the Etihad heading into the new season.
Liverpool into the unknown under Slot
Liverpool were third in 2023-24, but Jurgen Klopp's shock exit ushered in a new era and the highly-rated Arne Slot is now in charge at Anfield after guiding Eredivisie side Feyenoord to the league title in 2023 and then the Dutch Cup earlier this year.
The Reds look capable of competing in the top four again, but as the players adjust to a new style there are bound to be a few bumps in the road and a title bid looks out of their reach.
Spurs and Villa eye top four
Of the rest, Tottenham, who finished fifth last term, look well-placed to challenge for the Champions League places, but contending for the title looks far-fetched for Ange Postecoglou's side.
Aston Villa, who enjoyed a fantastic 2023-24 to finish fourth, may struggle to replicate that form considering the toll a Champions League campaign could take on them.
United, Chelsea among also-rans
Meanwhile, Manchester United, Chelsea and even Newcastle may publicly say before a ball is kicked that they want to challenge for the title this season, but realistically that trio of clubs know a place in the top four is probably the very best outcome they can hope for next spring.
Prediction
City will be strong again, as always, while Liverpool will also hope to contend, but it could be Arsenal's season, at last.
