‘Had my doubts’ – Michael Owen U-turns on Premier League title race prediction

Michael Owen insists Arsenal remain the ‘team to beat’ but now believes Manchester City are contenders in this season’s Premier League title race.

Defending champions Arsenal got back to winning ways after the international break with a hard-fought comeback win over Leeds United.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won five of their first six league games, but trail league leaders City, who have made a perfect start to the campaign.

Enzo Maresca’s side have plenty of distractions off the pitch, but put those to the back of their minds to produce a statement 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Owen had been clear in his belief before the season that the loss of Pep Guardiola, as well as key players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, would hamper City’s title hopes this season.

But the former Liverpool striker has now changed his tune and sees no reason why City can’t go toe to toe with Arsenal this season.

I’ve been really impressed with them, Owen told Metro. ‘I did have my doubts pre-season, absolutely.

‘You’re losing two of the most influential people in football, Guardiola and Rodri, and then to lose 20-something medals out of the dressing room withBernardo Silva, John Stones and others.

‘It was a real loss to the club and which clubs really thrive after a manager has been so successful for such a long period of time? It’s nearly always a poisoned chalice for the person taking over next.

‘There were so many grounds for thinking this could be a struggle for Manchester City. Obviously, they’ve still got good players, and obviously, they invested well and all that, but they’re going up against a team like Arsenal, a well-oiled machine that just won the league.

‘I thought that City might struggle to win the league and I still think Arsenal are the team to beat – don’t get me wrong – but I’ve been really impressed with the way City, and they look like they’ll be right in the mix.’

Owen continued: ”I think it was probably a masterstroke as well from City to almost go with continuity with Maresca.

‘He went to other clubs, but he’d been at the club before; he was there, a few of the players will know him, he knows the club and knows the tactics and everything else like that.

‘It’s almost been a continuation so that was probably a masterstroke but no, I’ve been nothing but impressed by what they’ve been doing on the pitch.’

While Owen still favours Arsenal to prevail, former teammate Steven Gerrard has changed his mind completely, and now believes City are title favourites after their impressive performance at the weekend.

‘Before a ball was kicked, I fancied Arsenal to just carry on, but now, what are we, six, seven games in, I’d put my money on Manchester City, Gerrard said on The Overlap, sponsored by Sky Bet.

‘Having seen what I’ve seen yesterday. I’d put my money on City. They’re just so strong, and then you see the bench.’

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