Premier League icon Michael Owen has named two teams that can challenge Arsenal for the league title next season. The Gunners ended their 22-year-long wait for the trophy after being crowned champions of England this term.
If winning the Premier League is a big ask, retaining it the next season is even bigger. Owen believes Arsenal will once again be contenders in the 2026/27 season. However, he also thinks both Manchester City and Manchester United can push the north Londoners.
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Owen backed Manchester City to be strong even after Pep Guardiola’s exit. He highlighted how they were so close this season and backed them to return stronger next season.
The former Liverpool striker told Metro UK:
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester.
“I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep leaves, they ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.”
Owen also added that Manchester United‘s revival under Michael Carrick suggests they can also be title contenders next season. However, he does not feel Liverpool and Arne Slot will be challengers.
Owen concluded:
“And it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender.
“Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
The last team to win the Premier League title on back-to-back occasions was Manchester City, when they won it four times in a row from 2020 to 2024.
Arsenal hoping for Champions League miracle against PSG
After wrapping up the league title, Arsenal’s focus has shifted to their big European final. Mikel Arteta and co. will face reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the showdown on May 30.
PSG dismantled Inter 5-0 in the Champions League final last season and booked their clash against the Gunners with a 6-5 aggregate win over Bayern Munich. Arsenal, meanwhile, beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 over two legs in their semi-final.
Understandably, PSG have been tipped as pre-match favorites to win the game. However, the Premier League champions will know that football is never won only on paper. If the Gunners manage to win, it would be the first time they lift this trophy in their history.
Edited by Nived Zenith