Assessing the Premier League’s title challengers
For many, the Premier League is the best competition around. This commonly held viewpoint has been illustrated this season more than ever before, with more than three clubs in with a chance of winning the league at the time of writing.
Klopp, Guardiola and Arteta to battle it out
Although Aston Villa lifting the Premier League trophy isn’t completely out of the question, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal will be hard to overtake given their impressive form of late. All three sides are capable of being champions, backed up by pundits’ predictions and enticing EPL odds, with the likes of Arsenal being priced at 4/1 given the plethora of talent Mikel Arteta has at his disposal.
While the Gunners will be confident of making up for the end-of-campaign slump in form that resulted in Manchester City coming out on top last season, Liverpool are also in pole position to provide Jurgen Klopp with the ultimate farewell gift in May. Pep Guardiola’s Citizens will beg to differ, though, with the treble-winners clearly being the team every side wants to beat.
Manchester City haven’t always been at their very best
Despite Manchester City being picked by pundits and fans alike to eventually rise to the top of the Premier League rankings and claim their fourth successive title in the process, Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t been in full flow at times this season.
For example, stuttering performances against the likes of Chelsea and Crystal Palace highlighted the side’s frailties, particularly at the back. Additionally, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne seemingly nearing the end of his City career, it’s a side that is potentially in need of some fresh blood in the summer.
As such, while Manchester City are still the team to beat, they certainly aren’t as devastating as they were last season. A side possessing the likes of Rodri and being managed by Pep Guardiola will always be there or thereabouts, though, but there is cause for optimism for both Liverpool and Arsenal fans. The mega-rich Citizens could certainly be fended off this time around, although they’re also capable of finding another gear.
Liverpool will be desperate to win it
With Jurgen Klopp’s surprise departure being announced, Liverpool will be desperate to give their legendary manager a magical send off. The Reds are looking good, with the likes of Mohamed Salah scoring for fun already this season and Virgil van Dijk being back to his very best. Keeping both the Dutchman and the Egyptian star fit will be crucial to their chances, but Liverpool appear to be well-equipped to mount a serious title charge once again.
The likes of Luis Díaz also appears to be ready to supplement Salah’s output with some world-class performances of his own, while the fairly recent return of consistent performers like Andrew Robertson only makes the Reds’ chances of success far more likely. Overall, Liverpool are in a strong position.
Arteta’s Arsenal are mentally stronger
One of the main reasons behind Arsenal’s title collapse last season appeared to be down to a mental fragility that kicked in towards the crucial stages of the campaign. This season, though, the Gunners have evolved mentally following a few setbacks that have seen them dig deep and pick up some much-needed points.
A resolute defence is supplemented by an attack that is capable of seeing off any major side in Europe, leaving Gunners fans with plenty to be positive about. As the final chunk of the season draws closer, it’s over to Mikel Arteta’s troops to find another level. One thing’s for sure, Arsenal are hungrier than ever before.
