Former England international Michael Owen maintains that Arsenal remains the frontrunner for the Premier League trophy despite a narrow 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday. The result allowed Manchester City and Aston Villa to close the gap, leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad with a four-point advantage at the summit.
While critics questioned the Gunners’ resolve following the loss, Owen characterized the performance as a minor “wobble” rather than a collapse of their championship credentials.
The pundit argued that Manchester City’s current form lacks the typical dominance of previous seasons, noting that the defending champions remain within striking distance despite playing below their usual standards. Owen also acknowledged the rising threat of Aston Villa, who moved into third place following a decisive weekend victory. Nevertheless, he insists that the North London side possesses the superior roster and the tactical consistency required to secure the title if they maintain their composure during the run-in.
Owen suggests that the race remains in Arsenal’s hands, provided they avoid further unforced errors against their primary rivals. The Gunners now face a demanding schedule in February, including a high-stakes encounter against Chelsea and continued Champions League commitments. Football analysts expect Arteta to prioritize defensive stability in the coming weeks to prevent further erosion of their league lead.
Michael Owen shared his assessment of the title race during a recent broadcast on Premier League Productions: “I don’t think Manchester City have been brilliant this season. They’ve been playing pretty average and they’re only four points away from the title. It’s a big result for Aston Villa today and that puts them in the mix as well. I still think it’s Arsenal’s to give away. I think they’re the best team in the league, the most consistent and the most solid, and probably the best squad.”
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