Former West Ham United manager Alan Pardew has predicted that Manchester City will be Arsenal’s biggest rival in the race for the Premier League title this season.
Arsenal are currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, showing impressive form under manager Mikel Arteta. Manchester City, however, remain within touching distance despite a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Gunners also sit seven points ahead of Liverpool, who are the defending champions. Still, Pardew believes City are far from finished and will put up a strong fight in the coming months.
“You can’t help but expect Manchester City to make a big challenge,” Pardew told talkSPORT. “Even though they lost to Aston Villa, I really think they’ll come back stronger. The only concern is whether they’re relying too much on Erling Haaland, who is in top form but still needs support from others.”
Pardew’s comments come as Arsenal continue to prove their consistency this season, while Pep Guardiola’s City look to bounce back and close the gap at the top. With several crucial fixtures ahead, the title race promises to remain intense between the two Premier League giants.
