Arsenal defender William Saliba claims that his team will mount an even stronger challenge next campaign after losing out on the title to Manchester City.
It’s the second year in a row that the Gunners have finished runners-up to Pep Guardiola’s side but Saliba claims the Gunners have proven they are more than a match for their opponents:
“We played against them three times [last season] and we made them struggle. They feel and we feel that we are close to them. Next year, we will have an even better war.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will actually run City just as close as they did last season. A lot can happen over 38 games.
City’s squad may have to be revamped
Defending their league crown could prove to be more difficult than in past seasons if the club are forced into replacing some key players.
Ederson has been tipped to leave the Etihad, with reports linking him with clubs in Saudi Arabia. Kevin De Bruyne has hinted in a recent interview that he is open to offers from the Middle East as well.
What are the odds of City winning their fifth consecutive league title?
No team in the history of English football has won the top flight four years in a row, and it’s an achievement that should not be downplayed. It would be even more remarkable, though, if the Cityzens made it five.
The bookmakers have pretty short odds on Guardiola’s men accomplishing that feat. William Hill has them at 10/11 odds on to do it, while Betfred has them at even money.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are currently regarded as second favourites, with most bookies having set odds at 2/1. Liverpool are third in the running but they are regarded as outsiders at the moment, having replaced Jurgen Klopp with Arne Slot.
