Arsenal has been the most consistent challenger in the premier League to Manchester City over the past two seasons, finishing as runners-up on both occasions. Despite missing out on the title, the Gunners’ performances have been commendable, pushing City until the final day of last season in the premier league and finishing just two points behind the champions.
This narrow gap has led to renewed optimism among fans and pundits alike that Arsenal could finally topple City this season. The club has made strategic moves in the transfer market, bringing in Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for up to £42 million. Calafiori’s versatility, capable of playing both at left-back and center-back, adds depth to Arsenal’s defense, which has been a critical area of focus for manager Mikel Arteta.
In addition to shoring up their defense, Arsenal has secured Spain goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent basis, solidifying their goalkeeping options after he replaced Aaron Ramsdale as the first-choice goalkeeper last season. However, questions remain about Arsenal’s firepower up front. While winger Bukayo Saka has been the club’s top scorer for the past two seasons, there is speculation that Arsenal may need a more traditional striker to clinch the title.
The club has been linked to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, whose arrival could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s quest for Premier League glory. As captain Martin Odegaard stated, the club feels poised to contend for premier league titles for years to come, and with these new additions, Arsenal might finally break City’s stranglehold on the Premier League.
Liverpool: A New Era Under Arne Slot
Liverpool enters the 2024-2025 season under the stewardship of a new manager for the first time in nearly a decade. With Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of last season, Dutchman Arne Slot has taken the reins, marking the beginning of a new era at Anfield. Klopp’s departure was announced mid-season, allowing Liverpool to prepare for a smooth transition. Slot, known for his tactical acumen and success with Feyenoord, is expected to shift Liverpool’s playing style from the high-energy pressing game that became their trademark under Klopp to a more possession-based approach. This change in strategy could take time to fully implement, which might temper expectations for Liverpool’s premier league title challenge this season.
Despite these changes, Liverpool remains a formidable force and the only team aside from City to win a Premier League title in the last seven years. Slot’s arrival brings a fresh perspective, and while Liverpool has yet to make any major signings this season, there is optimism that the club will add new faces before the transfer window closes. Opitanglobamedia’s senior football news analyst, Alabi Sunday, notes that while Liverpool may not be the favorites this season, they will still be expected to challenge for the premier league title.
The club’s strong foundation left by Klopp means that even in a transitional phase, Liverpool could pose a significant threat to Manchester City’s dominance, particularly if Slot quickly adapts to the Premier League’s demands.
Aston Villa: From Relegation Battlers to Title Contenders
Aston Villa’s transformation under Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable. When Emery took charge in October 2022, Villa was just three points above the relegation zone. Less than two years later, they are entering the new season as genuine top-four contenders in the premier league, having secured a Champions League spot with a fourth-place finish last season.
Emery, along with Villa’s president of football operations Monchi, has overseen a dramatic turnaround in the club’s fortunes. Last season, Villa was even in the title conversation at one point, sitting third in the table and just a point off the leaders Arsenal by the end of the year. However, key losses to Manchester United and Newcastle in February dashed their title hopes.
This summer, Villa has had to navigate the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, leading to several player sales. Despite this, the club has bolstered its squad with notable signings, including Amadou Onana from Everton, Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen, and Ross Barkley from Luton. The return of academy products Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer also adds depth to the squad. However, Villa has also seen significant departures, with Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby moving on.
New signings Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus bring promise, but the team still feels light on premier league title-winning experience. As Opitanglobamedia’s senior football reporter Frank points out, while Villa has made significant strides, they might still fall short of mounting a serious title challenge this season. Nonetheless, their rapid ascent under Emery suggests that Aston Villa is a club on the rise and one to watch closely in the coming years
