Six talkSPORT pundits have all predicted Arsenal will fall short in the 2023/24 Premier League title race for one reason in a clean sweep for clear favourites, Manchester City.
Each of Darren Ambrose, Jimmy Bullard, Darren Bent, Tony Cascarino, Mark Goldbridge and Jermaine Pennant have backed Manchester City to win the Premier League title in 2023/24. It would make Pep Guardiola’s side the first team to ever win the title in four-straight years.
Manchester United became the first team to win the title in three-straight seasons between 1998/99 and 2000/01. But Arsenal ended the Red Devils’ reign in 2001/02 and Chelsea also denied the Old Trafford outfit four-in-a-row in 2009/10. Man City now have a shot at history.
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Arsenal will have not won a Premier League title in 20 years
Arsenal nearly ended Manchester City’s dominance last term after spending 248 days atop the Premier League table. But Mikel Arteta could not maintain his team’s performances. The Gunners only won three of their final nine games to let Manchester City win the title in May.
It would have been Arsenal’s first Premier League honour since Arsene Wenger secured the division’s only golden title to date. He oversaw their Invincibles title win during the 2003/04 Premier League season. The Gunners celebrate the 20th anniversary of that title next year.
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talkSPORT pundits unanimously back Manchester City in the title race
Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice have joined Arsenal to try and take them to the Premier League title. But talkSPORT pundits Ambrose, Bullard, Bent, Cascarino, Goldbridge and Pennant unanimously back Manchester City to be the first four-in-a-row title winners.
Former Arsenal winger Pennant at least predicts the title race to be ‘a lot more tight’ during 23/24. Goldbridge, likewise, feels Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United could challenge Manchester City. But Bullard doubts any club will come close to denying Guardiola’s players.
“I can’t stray from them,” the Hull City hero stated. “I just really like the way they play [and] their style. Obviously, I just can’t see anyone getting near them, I think they’re just too good. I’d love to say, ‘Is there going to be any other competition?’ I just don’t see it.
“Having Pep there, [he’s] just too cute [and] keeps the squad fresh, which he’s talked about before. He ain’t frightened to try things. I don’t know, I just think they’re too good.”
Bent and Bullard agree that Guardiola gives Manchester City the edge
Arsenal supporter Bent also feels Guardiola gives Manchester City the only advantage they need to win the Premier League title. The Spaniard has now won the English top-flight five times since taking over the Citizens in 2016. Only Chelsea and Liverpool have stopped him.
“I think [back to] what they did last season and they looked comfortable doing it,” Bent said. “I know they’ve lost one or two players – [Ilkay] Gundogan [and Riyad] Mahrez have gone – I just think they’ve got strength in depth.
“Their scouting network – I know they’ve got all the money in the world – but they’ll lose Gundogan, they’ll replace him. They could lose Kyle Walker, they’ll replace him. I just think they’re the team to beat again.”
Chelsea won the Premier League title in 2016/17 during Guardiola’s debut season in charge of Manchester City. The former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss then became the first Citizens coach to win back-to-back titles. Liverpool interrupted their dominance in 2019/20.