Who will win the Premier League 2022/23 title?

[Firebat]

Just one point separated champions Manchester City and runners-up Liverpool in the Premier League last season.

The two sides have seen significant summer transfer activity - both arrivals and departures. Will the signings of Haaland and Nunez respectively produce another titanic title tussle between the 2 sides?

Have any of the other teams, such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham, improved enough to mount a serious challenge?

Discuss and vote.

 

[PakLFC]

I feel Man City start as favourites yet I fancy Liverpool. Where as it would be great to sign a much needed midfielder Carvalho and Nunez look to be great signings. City despite bringing in Haaland will miss Sterling, Jesus and Fernandinho too. Mane although a great player won't be missed as much as the above mentioned Man City players. Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs have all strengthened considerably as well but i still expect Liverpool and Man City to be fighting it out for the title.

 

[MenInG]

I go for Arsenal - seems this could be our year (been saying it for a few years now!)

 

[Amjid Javed]

liverpool will win title, they have a more settled team and squad. i think by time city get use to having haaland in team and playing as a unit a slow start to season maybe costly for them.

 

[Firebat]

Will be a straight shoot-out between Liverpool and City again. I'm not that convinced however that either team has vastly improved from last season, so perhaps they will not be as far ahead of the pack as they were last time around.

 

[MenInG]

Manchester City and Liverpool have produced a rivalry in recent years that has taken the standard of English football to another level.

In the past five seasons, Pep Guardiola's City have claimed the top-flight trophy on four occasions, while Jurgen Klopp's Reds have won it once.

It looks like these two sides will be the ones to catch once more in 2022-23, after City strengthened their side with the signing of Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, while Liverpool brought in Darwin Nunez to replace Sadio Mane.

The two teams met in the Community Shield on Saturday - with Nunez scoring as Liverpool won 3-1.

With the chasing pack aiming to close the gap, which of the clubs that finished behind them is most likely to challenge the two powerhouses?


Chelsea
Position last season: 3rd

Players in: Raheem Sterling (£50m), Kalidou Koulibaly (£33m)

Players out: Antonio Rudiger (free), Andreas Christensen (free), Danny Drinkwater (free), Romelu Lukaku (loan)

There has been significant upheaval at Chelsea after American Todd Boehly completed his takeover of the club to end the highly successful Roman Abramovich era.

Boehly has a tough task to follow but signalled his intent with the high profile signing of Raheem Sterling from champions Manchester City.

Though not a like-for-like replacement, the England international comes in for Romelu Lukaku, who returned to Inter Milan after a season of struggle at Stamford Bridge in which he fell out with boss Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea were top of the table at one stage last term but their form dropped off in the second half of the campaign, and now without a main central striker in their squad Tuchel may well deploy a more fluid front three with the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic available to call upon.

Key German defender Antonio Rudiger left on a free to join Real Madrid and Senegal skipper Kalidou Koulibaly has finally moved to the Premier League as his replacement.


Tottenham

Position last season: 4th

Players in: Ivan Perisic (free), Fraser Forster (free), Yves Bissouma (£35m), Richarlison (£60m), Clement Lenglet (loan), Djed Spence (£20m)

Players out: Steven Bergwijn (£26m), Jack Clarke (£10m)

Spurs recovered under Antonio Conte after a poor start to last season to clinch an unlikely Champions League spot and the Italian has been fully backed in this transfer window.

A hefty £60m has been paid to Everton for the services of Richarlison, though the Brazil international is not assured of being an automatic starter, which shows the strength in depth they now possess.

Yves Bissouma adds steel in the middle of the park. while the free signing of Ivan Perisic looks to be a shrewd move as the Croatian provided eight goals and seven assists for Inter Milan in Serie A last term.

Conte has won top-flight titles with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan and with the north London side adding to last season's squad, they may be seen by some as the favourites to break into the top two.

Spurs also go into the new season with a more settled feeling than last year when striker Harry Kane's future was in doubt with rumours circling of a move to Manchester City, which ultimately did not transpire.


Arsenal

Position last season: 5th

Players in: Marquinhos (£3m), Fabio Vieira (£30m), Matt Turner (£8m), Gabriel Jesus (£45m), Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)

Players out: Konstantinos Mavropanos (undisclosed), Alexandre Lacazette (free), Matteo Guendouzi (£9m)

Arsenal fans will be hoping their eye-catching new signings can add to a squad that fell away at the end of last season, having looked nailed-on for a top-four place.

Mikel Arteta secured a transfer coup with the acquisition of striker Gabriel Jesus for £45m from Manchester City and the Brazilian will spearhead the Gunners' frontline this season. Meanwhile, Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko followed him in swapping east Manchester for north London.

Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira has also come in from Porto, while Alexandre Lacazette has returned to Lyon, so Norway international Martin Odegaard has been named as captain.

Boss Arteta placed his faith in youth last season, with Arsenal being the team with the youngest average age, so another year of experience should stand them in good stead.


Manchester United

Position last season: 6th

Players in: Tyrell Malacia (13m), Christian Eriksen (free), Lisandro Martinez (£55m)

Players out: Dean Henderson (loan), Edinson Cavani (free), Juan Mata (free), Paul Pogba (free), Jesse Lingard (free), Lee Grant (retired), Nemanja Matic (free), Andreas Pereira (£10m)

This season will mark 10 years since Manchester United last won the Premier League and the mantle now falls to ex-Ajax manager Erik ten Hag to attempt to restore the fortunes of a fallen giant.

The Red Devils limped to a sixth-place finish last term under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, recording their worst Premier League points tally and there were reports of dressing-room unrest.

Big-name first-teamers including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani have all departed, while the free signing of Christian Eriksen could prove to be a masterstroke.

There are still issues to resolve - captain Harry Maguire, who had a poor campaign, was booed by his own supporters at times last season and was jeered once again in the pre-season match against Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

And the big question remains, will wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo stay or will he go? He played for United in Sunday's friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford - but his long-term future remains to be resolved.

Any other teams in the mix?

Can Newcastle disturb the establishment? The Magpies looked like being cast adrift at the start of the campaign but produced a stunning turnaround under Eddie Howe.

In the second half of the season, Newcastle picked up 38 points which was bettered only by Liverpool (48), who finished second, and eventual champions Manchester City (46).

The big-money signing of Dutch centre-half Sven Botman will add more stability to the backline, while England goalkeeper Nick Pope may eventually become the number one behind him.

BBC

 

[James]

Think it might be Liverpool to do it.

 

[MenInG]

Not that great from LFC but Tottenham have looked impressive so far.

 

[Firebat]

Very early signs that City may run away with it again?

 

[MenInG]

Very early signs that City may run away with it again?

Arsenal - no chance?

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal: Are Mikel Arteta's side Premier League title contenders?

Arsenal were "outstanding" against Liverpool and just need to keep pace with Manchester City in order to mount an unlikely title challenge, according to Paul Merson.

Gabrielle Martinelli scored an early opener for Arsenal before two Bukayo Saka goals sealed Arsenal's return to the Premier League's summit with a statement 3-2 win against Jurgen Klopp's side.

With just under a quarter of the Premier League season gone, Mikel Arteta's young guns now top the table, one point ahead of champions Manchester City, creating a barely-recognisable buzz around the club.

"I thought they were outstanding," Merson said.

"I thought they started really well, got out of the blocks quickly and scored early doors. I thought Arsenal's management of the game [after they scored the third] was phenomenal. Once they were 3-2 up there was never really a threat from Liverpool.

"And you are talking about a very young, inexperienced team at the end there. I was so impressed. they are top of the league, another game gone, they just need to keep on doing what they are doing. I have never seen this place like this [or at least] not for a long, long, time. It's absolutely buzzing.

"As long as they stay on the coat tails of Manchester City, you never know. We've seen Leicester win the Premier League [in the past]."

After suffering defeat at Manchester United, Arteta's side have bounced back with a win at Brentford and back-to-back defeats of Tottenham and Liverpool at the Emirates.

"This is a good young team, they just need to stay fit," continued Merson. "I honestly thought this was going to be a harder game than the Tottenham game and they have come through it. It's another tick in the box.

"They've come back from the loss to Manchester United and they have bounced back with back-to-back wins. Who knows what could happen?

"Every one of the players is playing with a lot of confidence. Every one of the players is playing to the best of their ability.

"They've started really well and there is a long way to go, they have played three big teams, lost to United but have gone and beaten Tottenham and Liverpool so I could not speak highly enough of this team, and it's a young team as well."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-artetas-side-premier-league-title-contenders

 

[James]

Think it might be Liverpool to do it.

Haha.

City.

with Arsenal a very honourable 2nd place.

 

[Amjid Javed]

liverpool will win title, they have a more settled team and squad. i think by time city get use to having haaland in team and playing as a unit a slow start to season maybe costly for them.

) got this badly wrong.

City to win it.

 

[shaz619]

Not the only prediction you got badly wrong.

Can this be your season?

They look good

 

[Mamoon]

Can this be your season?

They look good

Nah, would take a big collapse from City but it is not happening. They are too good.

City should take all 6 points off Arsenal and they also have a lot more squad depth. Arsenal will suffer if any of the key players in attack get injured.

Should finish 2nd and it would be brilliant. Keep the core together and build on it next season.

Arsenal is back in the mix now and that is all that matters.

 

[Rana]

I think a better debate would be who will end up in top 4 this season?

Manchester United and Liverpool will still make a dash for the top 4 spots.

Tottenham have been mentally stronger than Arsenal for some time now

City should secure title so that’s 1/4

 

[Amjid Javed]

Didn’t you write of your team after one defeat )

City are winning the league.

The top 4 will be 3 from 5 (Arsenal / spurs / chelsea / united / newcastle)

No guarantees apart from city, most big sides are picking up form and starting to show their quality.

 

[shaz619]

Nah, would take a big collapse from City but it is not happening. They are too good.

City should take all 6 points off Arsenal and they also have a lot more squad depth. Arsenal will suffer if any of the key players in attack get injured.

Should finish 2nd and it would be brilliant. Keep the core together and build on it next season.

Arsenal is back in the mix now and that is all that matters.

Agree City is a powerhouse and their depth is simply difficult to compete with, they stay too healthy.

If Arsenal does finish 2nd it would be huge for the club and agree a major achievement but now that they find themselves in this position, imo they should prioritise the EPL above other competitions

 

[Manunited18]

The premiership is becoming another farmers league .

 

[shaz619]

The premiership is becoming another farmers league .

Will united qualify for the CL this season?

 

[Firebat]

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager admits his side are Premier League title contenders after victory at Chelsea

Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal are competing for the title after their win at Chelsea - but did call for respect towards Manchester City's recent record in English football.

Since the start of the season, Arteta has been coy about the Gunners' chances to win the title despite 10 consecutive rounds of Premier League fixtures at the summit - but Sunday's 1-0 win at Chelsea courtesy of Gabriel's second-half goal appears to have changed his stance.

Speaking in his press conference after Arsenal re-established their two-point lead over City at the top of the table, Arteta said: "We are [competing for the title] today, but tomorrow is difficult.

"Just look at the last six years what Manchester City have done. With the best manager and best team in the world, they've shown it consistently in every single competition.

"We have to be very, very respectful of that and we're getting much better as a team and competing much better and getting really good results but this is a long, long show."

Arteta - who took charge of his 150th game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday - was particularly pleased about the maturity his side showed in west London. The Gunners were relatively untroubled at the back and could have scored more against Chelsea had Gabriel Jesus had his shooting boots on, with missed chances in either half.

Asked to compare this performance with the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United in September, Arteta said: "We like discipline, the discipline that is necessary in certain moments. To know what you have to do, because if not you get punished.

"I think we learned our lesson really well because we played really well there [at Old Trafford in September] but it was not enough to win and that's what top teams do.

"What is fantastic to see the team taking another step. Today we were under pressure, we lost our [top] spot [to Manchester City on Saturday] and we prepared the game to come here and win but coming to win here is a different story. I'm happy we've done that."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...gue-title-contenders-after-victory-at-chelsea

 

[in_cutter]

The premiership is becoming another farmers league .

Because Man Yanited are a rubbish team..?

 

[James]

The premiership is becoming another farmers league .

IMO the opposite. It’s the strongest top to bottom that it’s ever been. Apart from City and Arsenal, every team is beatable by anyone else on any given week. Newcastle have broken into the top 3 while Chelsea and Liverpool have a mid table points total.

 

[Firebat]

Pep Guardiola: Arsenal are title contenders, they've been better than Man City

Pep Guardiola says Arsenal are Premier League title contenders and has conceded Mikel Arteta's team "have been better than City" this season.

Arsenal have the chance to head into the World Cup break top of the Premier League with a positive result away at Wolves, a game live on Sky Sports on Saturday.

Manchester City, who play Brentford on Saturday lunchtime, are on their tail, just two points behind Mikel Arteta's side.

"We have made an incredible season, they have been better," said Guardiola.

"We want to be there as close as possible to them but the season is so long. Many things will happen, many tough games. We'll see what happens."

When asked if he expected Arsenal to challenge this season, Guardiola said: "Compared to previous seasons, that's for sure. They will not be the only ones. Last season they were not a contender to win the Premier League, this season they will be.

"Mikel, we worked together three years but he was taught since he was born and has experiences in England. Maybe I learned more off him when we worked together. Arsenal has the work ethic, the talent, the support. Mikel had the bad moment in the beginning, but people see how he works every day, the commitment. He's patient, all the managers want time to build something. Arsenal have given it to him, the rest is the position they have."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...e-contenders-theyve-been-better-than-man-city

 

[Mamoon]

City shocked by Brentford at the Etihad. Arsenal have a chance to go 5 points clear at the top going into the World Cup.

Not a single soul on earth would have envisioned Arsenal in this position at the start of the season.

You would still expect City to leapfrog Arsenal because they have more talent, depth and also because the two sides have not played yet and City could take 6 points off those fixtures, but surely Arsenal fans are allowed to dream at some point.

We cannot pretend forever that Arsenal are not in the title race and do not have a chance of winning it. They most definitely are, and getting a result in the home game against City could prove to be vital.

 

[James]

Arsenal have a huge opportunity to go 5 points clear tonight with an easy looking away game against a dreadful Wolves side.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Arsenal bottling it

 

[KingKhanWC]

City easily or a long shot at late spree by LFC.

Arsenal will be happy to finish 4th and rightly so.

Its only a 1/3rd of season so far.

 

[Amjid Javed]

City will win the league. loving all salty liverpool fans crying because Arsenal are above them.

 

[Rana]

If Arsenal can beat City at home and extend the lead by 8 points before the second half of the season…

Boy we will never have a better opportunity to win the league!

 

[MenInG]

Ronaldo says Arsenal will win...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan Arsenal are his title favourites (sort of).<br><br>Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/ajbahBvQpp">https://t.co/ajbahBvQpp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cristiano</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@piersmorgan</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TalkTV</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/90MinutesWithRonaldo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#90MinutesWithRonaldo</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMU</a> <a href="https://t.co/11mL3CvS1z">pic.twitter.com/11mL3CvS1z</a></p>— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiersUncensored/status/1593345984259571713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Firebat]

All eyes on Feb 15, Arsenal vs City at the Emirates.

The return fixture is on April 26, the 6th-last game of the season for both sides.

If Arsenal can actually maintain this form, it'll be decided in those 2 games.

 

[Firebat]

Newcastle and Man City both drop points at home.

A win now for Arsenal at Brighton puts us 7 points clear of City, 9 ahead of Newcastle (having played a game less), 11 points clear of United.

All eyes on Arsenal, this is the pressure of a title race. No slipups allowed.

Haven't felt this type of pressure so early in the season for a long time as an Arsenal fan

 

[Firebat]

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his side will have to be "almost perfect" to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal in the title race.

 

[Mamoon]

Arsenal.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Man City they have the strength and depth and will win it.

Arsenal dithering again in a January TW will cost us.

 

[Saj]

Man City now 5 points behind and breathing down the necks of Arsenal.

 

[Kroll]

Man City now 5 points behind and breathing down the necks of Arsenal.

Moot point really, Arsenal have no chance of winning the league.

 

[Technics 1210]

Arsenal.

Few months ago in this very thread:

Nah, would take a big collapse from City but it is not happening. They are too good.

City should take all 6 points off Arsenal and they also have a lot more squad depth. Arsenal will suffer if any of the key players in attack get injured.

I guess this is having faith in Arteta - one month no chance, next month, Arsenal will win the EPL.

)

 

[sweep_shot]

Arsenal have a very good chance.

I didn't see this coming. Arsenal have surprised me.

 

[Mamoon]

Few months ago in this very thread:



I guess this is having faith in Arteta - one month no chance, next month, Arsenal will win the EPL.

)

If you didn’t know, the prediction for who will win the league does change as the season goes by. A lot of people thought Liverpool would run City close but they had to revise their prediction by September.

The post that you quoted was from October & honestly, I did not expect Arsenal to still maintain a 5 point lead at the top of the league. However, now I really think they will hold on. They have proved that they belong there.

I had faith in Arteta because at no point did I want him sacked & I always thought he is the right man for the job who will turn things around. However, even I am surprised by how quickly it happened because I thought it would take another 2-3 seasons before he can win the league.

When Arsenal lift the trophy in May, I will be bumping countless posts on the Arsenal & Arteta threads & posters will have nowhere to hide. Really looking forward to it.

 

[Mamoon]

I had a lot of skepticism over Arsenal’s title charge because of the World Cup break & the injury to Jesus.

I wondered if the World Cup would kill the momentum & if they would be able to cope without Jesus.

However, they have played like they have never been away & scored 7 in 2 games without Jesus. Arteta has drilled this side to perfection & they are firm favorites to win the title from this point.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If you didn’t know, the prediction for who will win the league does change as the season goes by. A lot of people thought Liverpool would run City close but they had to revise their prediction by September.

The post that you quoted was from October & honestly, I did not expect Arsenal to still maintain a 5 point lead at the top of the league. However, now I really think they will hold on. They have proved that they belong there.

I had faith in Arteta because at no point did I want him sacked & I always thought he is the right man for the job who will turn things around. However, even I am surprised by how quickly it happened because I thought it would take another 2-3 seasons before he can win the league.

When Arsenal lift the trophy in May, I will be bumping countless posts on the Arsenal & Arteta threads & posters will have nowhere to hide. Really looking forward to it.

)

This is your own rule. Usually people make a prediction at the start of the season and accept they were wrong.

But ok, you stick with Arsenal now or will you change you mind again in 1 month?

5 points lead, its a fair change of mind.

 

[Mamoon]

)

This is your own rule. Usually people make a prediction at the start of the season and accept they were wrong.

But ok, you stick with Arsenal now or will you change you mind again in 1 month?

5 points lead, its a fair change of mind.

I look forward to Arsenal lifting the Premier League in May & bumping all your posts in the Arsenal & Arteta threads. Stay tuned.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I look forward to Arsenal lifting the Premier League in May & bumping all your posts in the Arsenal & Arteta threads. Stay tuned.

Unless you apply your own rule and change your mind again by Feb )

I look forward to it.

 

[Firebat]

Gary Neville believes Arsenal will not win the Premier League this season despite their eight-point lead at the top of the table and even thinks Manchester United will finish the season above them.

When asked if Arsenal will win the Premier League, Neville said on his podcast: "No. But I said Leicester wouldn't win the league. They won't win the league. Manchester City will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans!"

SKY

 

[MenInG]

Alan Shearer:

Arsenal have to be favourites to win the Premier League now. It is very clear they are going to take some shifting from the top of the table.

The only thing we don't know about Mikel Arteta's side yet is how they will cope with being frontrunners in the second half of the season. But it doesn't look like their inexperience of being in a title race is fazing them at the moment.

Their superb win over north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday was further proof of that.

In the first half we saw their attacking intent and creativity, pressing Spurs to keep them penned in their own half and then capitalising on their mistakes.

Arsenal had more defending to do in the second half but they were just as good without the ball and, when Tottenham did get through, Aaron Ramsdale put in a brilliant goalkeeping performance to keep them out.

I was really impressed with their whole team, from front to back, and it looks like they have got the required steel - plus the bit of bite and hunger - that they will need in the next few months.

 

[Firebat]

Pep Guardiola says Man City have 'no chance' of Premier League title playing as they are

Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City side to improve, saying they have "no chance" of winning another Premier League title playing as they are at the moment.

The City manager was heavily critical of his players’ performance in their 4-2 victory over Tottenham on Thursday, in which they had needed to fight back from 2-0 down.

"I cannot deny how happy we are, but we are far away from the team that we were," he told Sky Sports in his interview with Pat Davison.

"Today, we were lucky but it wouldn't change, sooner or later we are again [going] to drop points. [We are missing] passion, fire and desire and to win from minute one.

"It's the same with our fans, they are silent for 45 minutes. They booed because we were losing, not because we played badly. We played good, we had more chances, expected goals from Tottenham is 0.89 so we were better.

"They booed because we were losing, but maybe it's the same as our team. Maybe we were so comfortable winning four Premier League's in five years and that's why we… you know. After the goal, they react, but that's not the point."

Coming after a disappointing Carabao Cup exit at Southampton and an – albeit controversial – derby defeat at Manchester United, alarm bells have been ringing over City’s form.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...e-of-premier-league-title-playing-as-they-are

 

[MenInG]

Man City on the heels of Arsenal - What a chase!

 

[PakLFC]

Arsenal being five points clear with a game in hand are favourites at this stage. It is not over by a big shot with so many crucial matches to come.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Pep Guardiola says Man City have 'no chance' of Premier League title playing as they are

Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City side to improve, saying they have "no chance" of winning another Premier League title playing as they are at the moment.

The City manager was heavily critical of his players’ performance in their 4-2 victory over Tottenham on Thursday, in which they had needed to fight back from 2-0 down.

"I cannot deny how happy we are, but we are far away from the team that we were," he told Sky Sports in his interview with Pat Davison.

"Today, we were lucky but it wouldn't change, sooner or later we are again [going] to drop points. [We are missing] passion, fire and desire and to win from minute one.

"It's the same with our fans, they are silent for 45 minutes. They booed because we were losing, not because we played badly. We played good, we had more chances, expected goals from Tottenham is 0.89 so we were better.

"They booed because we were losing, but maybe it's the same as our team. Maybe we were so comfortable winning four Premier League's in five years and that's why we… you know. After the goal, they react, but that's not the point."

Coming after a disappointing Carabao Cup exit at Southampton and an – albeit controversial – derby defeat at Manchester United, alarm bells have been ringing over City’s form.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...e-of-premier-league-title-playing-as-they-are

I noticed Pep has been saying multiple negative Comments about his team in some of the press conference this season. Or perhaps the comments are the cold truth.

He said a short while ago, Man City would get trashed to Arsenal.

 

[MenInG]

Is Arsenal's grip on the title race weakened now?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Is Arsenal's grip on the title race weakened now?

City are favourites and always have been. 18 games left for both sides, Arsenal can't afford to drop points in either game vs City now and 5 point lead is not much of a lead with 18 games to go.

 

[sweep_shot]

Arsenal or Manchester City should win it (as things stand).

I hope Arsenal will win it.

 

[MenInG]

Things could slip away from Arsenal by end of next week - Man City still in the mix.

 

[Firebat]

Big news ahead of the top of the table clash on Wednesday.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Erling Haaland: Man City striker a doubt for Premier League trip to leaders Arsenal

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is a doubt for Wednesday's Premier League top-of-the table match at Arsenal after he was injured during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

Haaland, who has scored 25 Premier League goals this season, came off at half-time on Sunday as City led 3-0.

City boss Pep Guardiola said: "Erling has a knock; he was uncomfortable."

"At half-time I spoke with the doctors. They said maybe with the score like it is we don't take risks, and I agreed."

Guardiola added: "If the score was tighter, then maybe I don't do it. I think he is not injured but on Monday we are going to see.

"Hopefully he can be in for Wednesday. But if he is not ready or there is some risk, he is not going to play."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64619312

 

[Amjid Javed]

If you didn’t know, the prediction for who will win the league does change as the season goes by. A lot of people thought Liverpool would run City close but they had to revise their prediction by September.

The post that you quoted was from October & honestly, I did not expect Arsenal to still maintain a 5 point lead at the top of the league. However, now I really think they will hold on. They have proved that they belong there.

I had faith in Arteta because at no point did I want him sacked & I always thought he is the right man for the job who will turn things around. However, even I am surprised by how quickly it happened because I thought it would take another 2-3 seasons before he can win the league.

When Arsenal lift the trophy in May, I will be bumping countless posts on the Arsenal & Arteta threads & posters will have nowhere to hide. Really looking forward to it.

Another egg on face post for Mr comedy Central.

City are winning the league

 

[KingKhanWC]

Arsenal.

Is this still your final answer or do you have another lifeline to choose again?

Is Arsenal's grip on the title race weakened now?

Why the worry ? Arsenal still have a game in hand. If Liverpool was in this position last season, most would see LFC as favs.

City's tactics were a masterclass from Pep. Saka is a young lad so doesnt have the strength as others, City players were nibbling at him, breaking him down which worked as he then fell apart.

Big game v Villa away ,early kick off. A loss there would mean a serious decline.

 

[Abdullah]

As a united fan- we are still too far behind.
Arsenal need to drop 8 points for us to draw level.
That is a lot for team where weghorst is playing every game and garnacho is the only offensive person to be able to bring off the bench.
ETH has done an extraordinary job given the above
We just need to keep plugging away and see where we are at the start of April- with hopefully all the injuries back, and martial giving us a run of games and Sancho back to full form

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal bottling it! So on and so forth...

 

[KingKhanWC]

Arsenal cannot lose it from here, City are not as good as last season. If the Arsenal lose it from here it will be a huge bottle job.

Good point for Notts Forrest and a good win for LFC. But Saints beating Chelsea, best win of the day. Up to 6/7 teams are now possible relegation candidates.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal cannot lose it from here, City are not as good as last season. If the Arsenal lose it from here it will be a huge bottle job.

Good point for Notts Forrest and a good win for LFC. But Saints beating Chelsea, best win of the day. Up to 6/7 teams are now possible relegation candidates.

A 2 point lead with game in hand, 14 games to go, and if Arsenal don't win title it's a huge bottle.

Stop clutching at straws, seem like because your team is having a poor season your wanting an excuse to have a go at Arsenal.

Bigger leads have been lost with less games left.

Still a 3rd of season left here.

 

[Mamoon]

Another egg on face post for Mr comedy Central.

City are winning the league

Arsenal will win the league. You wanted Arteta sacked last year and you have had zero faith in the team all season. You have no right to celebrate when Ødegaard lifts the trophy at the Emirates.

 

[Mamoon]

Is this still your final answer or do you have another lifeline to choose again?

No, it is the final answer.

Arsenal won the league when they won at Spurs and beat United at home. That gave them enough cushion to absorb a dip in form which they have.

People keep saying that City will win 10 in a row but they can’t string 3 wins together. They will not overtake Arsenal.

Congratulations to Arsenal for winning the league after 19 years. At last.

Ødegaard, the young boy who went to Real Madrid with a dream would not have thought in a million years that at 24, he will lift the Premier League as the captain for Arsenal. What a beautiful story.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal will win the league. You wanted Arteta sacked last year and you have had zero faith in the team all season. You have no right to celebrate when Ødegaard lifts the trophy at the Emirates.

Aww how original, yet another copy and paste effort from you. 10/10 for originality .

Keep clutching at straws I support my team through thick and thin, I don't hide when my team drops points.

City still favourites for the league, Arsenal have shown they can sadly lose big leads in short space of time in the league sadly

 

[KingKhanWC]

A 2 point lead with game in hand, 14 games to go, and if Arsenal don't win title it's a huge bottle.

Stop clutching at straws, seem like because your team is having a poor season your wanting an excuse to have a go at Arsenal.

Bigger leads have been lost with less games left.

Still a 3rd of season left here.

You are still in theory 5 points ahead and have been at the top of the table for most of the season. City are losing and drawing reguarly. LFC are not as last season. You're playing good football with a lot of confidence.

This is your best chance of winning the league for years and will be for years to come. So not taking the title is a bottle job imo.

No, it is the final answer.

Arsenal won the league when they won at Spurs and beat United at home. That gave them enough cushion to absorb a dip in form which they have.

People keep saying that City will win 10 in a row but they can’t string 3 wins together. They will not overtake Arsenal.

Congratulations to Arsenal for winning the league after 19 years. At last.

Ødegaard, the young boy who went to Real Madrid with a dream would not have thought in a million years that at 24, he will lift the Premier League as the captain for Arsenal. What a beautiful story.

You are a true Arsenal fan, not like these other moaners and despressed fans who cant give credit where its due.

Will you be in London for the PL Trophy Bus Parade?

 

[Kroll]

City will win from here.

 

[shaz619]

A 2 point lead with game in hand, 14 games to go, and if Arsenal don't win title it's a huge bottle.

Stop clutching at straws, seem like because your team is having a poor season your wanting an excuse to have a go at Arsenal.

Bigger leads have been lost with less games left.

Still a 3rd of season left here.

You’re ahead and sure City could bounce back but this is your best possible chance and it may not come again, there’s an argument to made that you may be a bottle job with this in mind if you don’t do it. City are not in the form they usually are, and that may be a bad luck for the top contenders next season because they may not have the current luxury

 

[corleone]

Another egg on face post for Mr comedy Central.

City are winning the league

If I'm reading correctly, you originally predicted Liverpool to win the league? I'm not sure who's got egg on their face

 

[KingKhanWC]

If I'm reading correctly, you originally predicted Liverpool to win the league? I'm not sure who's got egg on their face &#55357;&#56906;

Did he?

You cant blame Arsenal fans predicting Liverpool as its the most decorated club in English history.

Arsenal have this season to go for it, next they will be lucky to finish top 4.

 

[Amjid Javed]

If I'm reading correctly, you originally predicted Liverpool to win the league? I'm not sure who's got egg on their face

Yeah I did predict Liverpool at start of season based on how well they did last season and that they had a settled squad. Yes I was wrong on that.

Liverpool not doing well is not my concern, at least there fans will shut up for once.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Go have a look at when this thread was made nearly everyone said city or Liverpool.

Even mamoon said city and said they were to strong, then mid-season he changes his mind and does a full circle on his comments.

Apart MIG, no one predicted Arsenal from the start.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal will win the league. You wanted Arteta sacked last year and you have had zero faith in the team all season. You have no right to celebrate when Ødegaard lifts the trophy at the Emirates.

Zero faith in the team?

Says the guy in october who said city would win the league, you also said City would take 6 points of Arsenal.

Now months later you have become a flip flop.

Your an embarresment to say the least. Where was all your chest beating and faith up until october?

And now because mid season you have changed your predicition you think you can tell others if they can celebrate.

So uve gone from City will take 6 points off Arsenal,

To there is no indication that city will take 6 points off Arsenal.

Then to Arsenal will deal with City at fortress emirates

Then to City was a fluke win.

So with in the space of a few months your contradicting your own comments.

You actually think any is going to take what you seriously, your a flip flop.

Again in october you said City would win the league, then you say the Title race was over After Arsenal beat chelsea back in November

Again contradicting yourself and flip flopping again.

Most of all your going to bump posts are you because you changed your mind mid season
[MENTION=8]MIG[/MENTION] [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]

Do not delete this post, i have listed out what contradictions a certain poster has made which is there for everyone to see.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yeah I did predict Liverpool at start of season based on how well they did last season and that they had a settled squad. Yes I was wrong on that.

Liverpool not doing well is not my concern, at least there fans will shut up for once.

LFC ca still make the top 4 and still have a decent chance of wining the Champions League the biggest trophy in club football. Arsenal should win the title but if you dont , it could be another trophyless season. Coming 2nd means little, you may have finished 4th.

This is a once in a decade chance for your team to win the PL. Next season Utd, Newcastle, LFC, Spurs, City, Chelsea will be strong. Thus I think Arsenal will be confident of winning this.

 

[Amjid Javed]

LFC ca still make the top 4 and still have a decent chance of wining the Champions League the biggest trophy in club football. Arsenal should win the title but if you dont , it could be another trophyless season. Coming 2nd means little, you may have finished 4th.

This is a once in a decade chance for your team to win the PL. Next season Utd, Newcastle, LFC, Spurs, City, Chelsea will be strong. Thus I think Arsenal will be confident of winning this.

Yes this is a huge chance to win the title and yes I agree next season united are likely to be stronger, as will Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool. So Top 6 and 4 spots will be a huge scrap, let alone a title challenge.

This is why I am so annoyed with how poor our January TW was in regards to bring in 1st choice star quality players. A 2 point gap is nothing right now, there are no guarantees we will win our game in hand and I still see city as favourites. They have a squad to compete in PL, FA Cup and CL. Arsenal squad is just about enough for PL, the squad ain't big enough in depth to cope with europa league knock out stages as well. Arsenal Need to some how have a 6-8 lead at least going into April with fixtures we have.

We can't go to the either with a 3 point gap or be chasing city at all.

Also yes a trophy less season is not good, I said in Arsenal thread if Arsenal don't win league and united / Newcastle win a trophy and finish top 4 then they have had a better season.

Top 4 ain't a trophy and I've never said it is ever.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yes this is a huge chance to win the title and yes I agree next season united are likely to be stronger, as will Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool. So Top 6 and 4 spots will be a huge scrap, let alone a title challenge.

This is why I am so annoyed with how poor our January TW was in regards to bring in 1st choice star quality players. A 2 point gap is nothing right now, there are no guarantees we will win our game in hand and I still see city as favourites. They have a squad to compete in PL, FA Cup and CL. Arsenal squad is just about enough for PL, the squad ain't big enough in depth to cope with europa league knock out stages as well. Arsenal Need to some how have a 6-8 lead at least going into April with fixtures we have.

We can't go to the either with a 3 point gap or be chasing city at all.

Also yes a trophy less season is not good, I said in Arsenal thread if Arsenal don't win league and united / Newcastle win a trophy and finish top 4 then they have had a better season.

Top 4 ain't a trophy and I've never said it is ever.

You are correct, if Saka gets injured its all over for Arsenal imo ,as you have arguably the weakest squad out of the big 6 or close to Spurs.

Here are next 6 fixtures for both teams. What are you predictions or what will happen?

Manchester City - 2nd (52pts)
Bournemouth (A) - February 25

Newcastle United (H) - March 4

Crystal Palace (A) - March 11

West Ham United (H) - March 19

Liverpool (H) - April 1

Southampton (A) - April 8

Arsenal - 1st (54pts)
Leicester City (A) - February 25

Everton (H) - March 1

Bournemouth (H) - March 4

Fulham (A) - March 12

Crystal Palace (H) - March 19

Leeds (H) - April 1

 

[Amjid Javed]

You are correct, if Saka gets injured its all over for Arsenal imo ,as you have arguably the weakest squad out of the big 6 or close to Spurs.

Here are next 6 fixtures for both teams. What are you predictions or what will happen?

Manchester City - 2nd (52pts)
Bournemouth (A) - February 25

Newcastle United (H) - March 4

Crystal Palace (A) - March 11

West Ham United (H) - March 19

Liverpool (H) - April 1

Southampton (A) - April 8

Arsenal - 1st (54pts)
Leicester City (A) - February 25

Everton (H) - March 1

Bournemouth (H) - March 4

Fulham (A) - March 12

Crystal Palace (H) - March 19

Leeds (H) - April 1

In regards to the top 6 squads Arsenal isn't the weakest along with spurs.

Arsenal, Liverpool, spurs, united have good 1st 11s but all these side lack depth. This is why Liverpool. Spurs and United have had up and down form. Chelsea have bought loads of players but if you look at all players they need to get rid of they don't have much depth either.

In regards to Arsenal's next 6 fixtures if they want to stay in title race until April they need to win pretty much all 6 off these games. Like at start of season Arsenal need to win these type of games. With 4 games at home there should be no excuses not to win these. Leicester and Fulham away won't be easy. Arsenal have conceded 12 goals in last 6 games, they need to cut the poor defence out.

City's fixtures, I would expect them to win most of these. The Liverpool game will be tough for them, as Liverpool have played well in big games and I expect Liverpool will have loads players back from injury. Palace away will be City's other tough game as they are a bogey team for City.

If Arsenal regain full form, I'd say Arsenal go into April with a small 4 or 5 point lead after these 6 games.

 

[KingKhanWC]

In regards to the top 6 squads Arsenal isn't the weakest along with spurs.

Arsenal, Liverpool, spurs, united have good 1st 11s but all these side lack depth. This is why Liverpool. Spurs and United have had up and down form. Chelsea have bought loads of players but if you look at all players they need to get rid of they don't have much depth either.

In regards to Arsenal's next 6 fixtures if they want to stay in title race until April they need to win pretty much all 6 off these games. Like at start of season Arsenal need to win these type of games. With 4 games at home there should be no excuses not to win these. Leicester and Fulham away won't be easy. Arsenal have conceded 12 goals in last 6 games, they need to cut the poor defence out.

City's fixtures, I would expect them to win most of these. The Liverpool game will be tough for them, as Liverpool have played well in big games and I expect Liverpool will have loads players back from injury. Palace away will be City's other tough game as they are a bogey team for City.

If Arsenal regain full form, I'd say Arsenal go into April with a small 4 or 5 point lead after these 6 games.

Liverpool have a better squad than Arsenal but very unlucky with injuries but lets leave that to one side.

Arsenal have a better run in the next 6.

Do you think you will regain form or not? They are not the toughest matches, so if you are 4/5 points ahead in April, then why do you think you wont win it from there? Surely losing a 5 point lead in April is a bottle job?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Liverpool have a better squad than Arsenal but very unlucky with injuries but lets leave that to one side.

Arsenal have a better run in the next 6.

Do you think you will regain form or not? They are not the toughest matches, so if you are 4/5 points ahead in April, then why do you think you wont win it from there? Surely losing a 5 point lead in April is a bottle job?

Liverpool vs Arsenal squad is one of those that we can agree to disagree.

I think if we win our next 2 games then I'd say we are over are blip, we can't afford to be sloppy defensively vs Leicester. They are a better side then Villa. We have won on last 2 visits to Leicester so we know we can go there and win. ESR is back, Jesus will be back in few weeks and Partey, that will give me confidence that Arsenal can win most of these 6 games.

April will decide the Title. Arsenal have 6 games which include Liverpool (A), Man city (A), Newcastle (A) and Chelsea (H)

So this is why for me Arsenal need a big lead going into April, I can't see Arsenal winning at Anfield or the Eithad. So points on board before then are a must.

The CIty, Newcastle and Chelsea games are after each other so those 3 games will decide Title race, because Arsenal have shown they can blow a lead in short space of time. If Arsenal don't lose to Liverpool or City (some how get draws) then il show confidence.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Liverpool vs Arsenal squad is one of those that we can agree to disagree.

I think if we win our next 2 games then I'd say we are over are blip, we can't afford to be sloppy defensively vs Leicester. They are a better side then Villa. We have won on last 2 visits to Leicester so we know we can go there and win. ESR is back, Jesus will be back in few weeks and Partey, that will give me confidence that Arsenal can win most of these 6 games.

April will decide the Title. Arsenal have 6 games which include Liverpool (A), Man city (A), Newcastle (A) and Chelsea (H)

So this is why for me Arsenal need a big lead going into April, I can't see Arsenal winning at Anfield or the Eithad. So points on board before then are a must.

The CIty, Newcastle and Chelsea games are after each other so those 3 games will decide Title race, because Arsenal have shown they can blow a lead in short space of time. If Arsenal don't lose to Liverpool or City (some how get draws) then il show confidence.

I agree with the bold part. These will be very very tough games because Arsenal will not have its best XI out as no team rarely does due to injuries and fatigue. I think you will beat Newcatle but lose 2 out of the other 3. Anfield will be rocking and LFC will play like madmen to stop any team winning the title.