Arsenal or Manchester City? Paul Scholes names his favorites to win the Premier League this year
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes provided his opinion on the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City in the 2024-25 season. The former midfielder believes that the Gunners have what it takes to win it all this season.
Speaking on beiN Sports, he said:
"I think the Premier League favourites will be the same as last year. I think City will be favourites, closely followed by Arsenal."
"I have said a few times that I expect Arsenal to be the team to win it this year. I think they've progressed over the last couple of years with Mikel Arteta especially. I just think this year is the time where they're ready to win it."
"It's never going to be easy, there's going to be a lot of competition. We know the top seven or eight teams in England are good teams but I think this year Arsenal will be the team to break the City cycle."
Manchester City have dominated the competition in the recent past, winning the last four on the trot and five of the last six. Pep Guardiola's side will once again look to add to their tally and boast a strong side.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have fallen shy two seasons in a row, finishing second in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. They were involved in an epic race for the trophy last season with City and Liverpool, but eventually fell short.
"One attacking player short" - Jamie Carragher on what Arsenal are lacking in their pursuit of Manchester City in Premier League title race
Pundit Jamie Carragher pointed out the difference between Arsenal's squad and Manchester City's. The former Liverpool defender claimed that the attacking talent boasted by the Cityzens provided them an edge over the Gunners.
Carragher said (via FourFourTwo):
"I can only see Arsenal or City really. I know people are talking about Arsenal because they’ve gone close twice and they’re really close to making that next step, but I still look at Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, and I think that is still better than what Arsenal have got."
“I think Arsenal are one attacking player short. They’ve got Bukayo Saka, but the other two, in terms of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, I think they need one more who’s pretty special to take over from Manchester City.”
The two sides put up impressive performances going forward last season. The defending champions bagged 96 goals, while the second-placed North Londoners scored 91.
The addition of an attacker has been on the agenda for Arsenal in the ongoing transfer market. They have been linked with forwards like Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres but are yet to make a serious move.