Arsenal or Manchester City? Jamie Redknapp names his favourites to win the Premier League this season
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp reckons Arsenal will pip Manchester City to the Premier League title this season. The Gunners finished second, behind City, in the last two seasons.
Mikel Arteta's side came close to ending their 20-year Premier League title drought last season. They kept alive the title race till the final day of the season, but City avoided defeat at home to West Ham United to become the first team to complete a Premier League four-peat.
While many pundits and former players have tipped City to finish clear of the Gunners once again this season, Redknapp doesn't think likewise. While admitting his 'love' for Pep Guardiola's side, Redknapp said (as per Sky Sports via AFC Stuff) that he sees the Gunners going all the way this season:
“I love Manchester City, but I’m still sticking with Arsenal (to win the Premier League) this year — I just think they’re ready.”
It's pertinent to note that after leading the 2022-23 Premier League for a record 248 days, the Gunners went unbeaten against City in the league last season. After beating Pep Guardiola's side 1-0 at the Emirates, they drew goalless at the Etihad.
What's next for Arsenal and Manchester City?
Both Arsenal and Manchester City commenced their Premier League campaigns with identical 2-0 wins. While City prevailed 2-0 at Chelsea - with Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scoring - the Gunners beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta's side are next in action at Aston Villa on Saturday (August 24). The Villans, though, completed the league double over the Gunners last season, winning 1-0 at the Emirates in December, thanks to John McGinn's seventh-minute winner.
In the return at Villa Park, Unai Emery's side won again, beating the Gunners 2-0, snapping their 11-game unbeaten league run, with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scoring in the final six minutes.
Meanwhile, City continued their perfect start to the new season. After beating Manchester United 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the FA Community shield, Pep Guardiola's side won 2-0 at Chelsea in their Premier League opener. Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored either side of the break.
The Cityzens next welcome newly promoted Ipswich Town to the Etihad on Saturday. The Tractor Boys lost 2-0 at home to Liverpool in their first Premier League game in more than two decades.