Owen: Only Manchester Can Realistically Threaten Arsenal's Grip on Title

Arsenal have finally ended their 22-year drought, clinching the Premier League crown this week after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Now comes the question: who can knock them off their perch?

Michael Owen reckons the answer is straightforward—essentially just the two Manchester clubs.

The Gunners' path to glory was smoothed by Liverpool and City's dip in form this term, but Mikel Arteta's squad arrived at their destination through a combination of shrewd summer recruitment and grit. They'll start next season as overwhelming favourites, naturally.

Yet Owen isn't convinced the title race will be a coronation. City, despite Pep Guardiola's uncertain future, possess the pedigree and young talent to mount a serious challenge. They pushed Arsenal hard this season and possess the infrastructure to bounce back stronger, especially with two domestic cups to chase.

The pundit's more intriguing call concerns Manchester United. Under Michael Carrick's stewardship, the Red Devils have transformed their fortunes dramatically. After languishing in the bottom half under Erik ten Hag last season, they've climbed to third place—a trajectory that suggests a title tilt isn't fanciful.

"Manchester United can be dark horses," Owen suggested, highlighting Carrick's impact since arriving. From that basement position to a respectable third-place finish, there's room for meaningful progression and a genuine title challenge ahead.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will harbour ambitions of their own, but Owen senses they lack the completeness required just yet. Getting everything right simultaneously remains their stumbling block.

So for the pundit, next season's battle for supremacy will be fought almost exclusively on Manchester's doorstep—with Arsenal looking to fend off two hungry neighbours.