Premier League: Owen Rules Out Liverpool, Names Two Clubs To Rival Arsenal For Next Season

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, Michael Owen, has said only Manchester City and Manchester United are capable of challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title next season.

Arsenal have already been crowned champions of the current Premier League campaign and will round off their season with a final fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday evening.

Naija News reports that the Gunners’ title success has raised expectations ahead of next season, but Owen believes Mikel Arteta’s side will still face serious pressure from the two Manchester clubs.

Speaking to Metro UK, Owen said Liverpool is not yet in a strong enough position to mount a serious title challenge.

According to him, the real threat to Arsenal’s dominance next season will come from Manchester City and Manchester United.

He said, “I think a challenge for Arsenal next season is only going to come from Manchester.”

Owen backed Manchester City to remain strong contenders, despite uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at the club.

He noted that City pushed Arsenal close in the title race this season and also showed their quality by competing strongly in domestic competitions.

He added, “I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep Guardiola leaves, they ran Arsenal very close this season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.”

The former England international also tipped Manchester United to be part of the title conversation under Michael Carrick.

Owen said United’s form since Carrick’s arrival has shown that the club could compete at the top level next season.

He said, “Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived, and it is definitely one of the title contenders. Liverpool are not there just yet.”

Arsenal will now look to end their title-winning campaign on a strong note when they face Crystal Palace in their final Premier League match of the season.