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Former Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino has backed Arsenal to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title in the upcoming season. The Gunners have challenged Pep Guardiola's men over the past two seasons but have fallen short at the final hurdle.
Mikel Arteta and Co. replaced Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool as Manchester City's primary title challengers during the 2022-23 season. Despite looking as the favorites to clinch the trophy, injuries, and a drop in form towards the end of the season, led to City winning the title by five points.
Arsenal also attempted to dethrone the Cityzens last season but finished second again with 89 points, two behind City who won their fourth Premier League title in a row.
However, Cascarino reckons the Gunners will end their 21-year wait for a league title this season. He told talkSPORT (via The Boot Room):
"If you asked the question to Pep Guardiola who does he feel that’s going to be the biggest danger next year, I think he would definitely say Arsenal. The way the club has been constructed, you can tell that something special is coming from them."
He added:
"I have gone for City quite a lot in recent years predictions of winning the title. That’s not rocket science. This is the first year that I actually think Arsenal will do it. I really believe they will do it this year.”
The Gunners will kick off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on August 17 when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates.
How have Arsenal fared in their pre-season friendlies so far this summer?
Arsenal will be aiming to make a strong start to their season in nearly three weeks. They have bolstered their squad with the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford, with Riccardo Calafiori also reported to follow suit.
Let's take a quick look at how they have fared this summer in terms of their results:
The Gunners have played two friendlies so far this summer. They first faced Bournemouth in the United States, playing out a 1-1 draw in normal time, before defeating the Cherries 5-4 on penalties (July 24). They then defeated Manchester United 2-1 three days later in a close encounter at the SoFi Stadium.
They will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten run in their next friendly against Arne Slot's Liverpool on Wednesday, July 31.
