Former Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen apparently backtracked on his earlier verdicts belittling Arsenal, after their massive win over Liverpool. The Gunners gunned down the Reds with a brace from Bukayo Saka and a goal from Gabriel Martinelli in a thrilling 3-2 win. The win took Arsenal back to the top of the table, as they lead second-placed Manchester City by a point.
Arsenal have brilliantly rejuvenated themselves this season, after failing to achieve a top-four finish last season stumbling in the ending stages. They have so far collected 8 wins from 9 Premier League games, and are flying high at the moment. Owen has lauded Mikel Arteta and his boys for a complete turn around from the time the Spaniard was appointed the Gunners’ manager.
Owen admits Arsenal have been best team behind Manchester City this season
While Arsenal are currently enjoying the first place in the table, there have been talks of them being serious title challengers. Some may agree with debate, while others feel they are still two or three transfer windows away from being mentioned in the same bracket as current champions City. However, the Gunners have been successful in establishing a whopping 14-point gap over Liverpool, and are now tipped to finish above them for the first time since 2016.
Furthermore, their exploits this season have earned them the label of second best team in the division at the moment, only bettered by Guardiola’s City who are being spearheaded by Erling Haaland’s 14 league goals in 9 games so far. Agreeing with the fact, Owen told Premier League Productions:
“I never thought I would say this, but yes I do [agree]. The way they are. There is no fluke about it, at the moment. They have got very, very good players. They are playing in a very good way. Confidence throughout the team and confidence at the club.
“Some of the main protagonists are struggling, at the moment. So, yes, I do think they could be the biggest [title] challengers. I never thought I would say that. I can’t believe it.”
On the Gunners’ win over his former side Liverpool, the striker added:
“There is no question Arsenal deserved to win. I thought they played really well. Lots of energy. There is a great vibe throughout the stadium. Liverpool contributed, they didn’t play bad at all.
“But what I think you are seeing, which is what we expected actually before the game. And that Liverpool have dropped 5-10% on last season and Arsenal have picked things up on about 20% from last season. The tide is turning slightly. I thought Arsenal deserved it.”
Arsenal are reaping rewards of their brilliant summer transfer business this season, which saw them bring in the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos. Jesus has been leading the scoring charts for the North Londoners, scoring 5 goals so far, as well as providing 3 assists in 11 games. Moreover, Arteta would have been happy to see Saka return to scoresheet more frequently as well since the winger has netted 3 goals and collected 2 assists in his last 4 league games. The Gunners now return to Europa League action as they take on Bodo/Glimt in the mid-week matchday.