In a report published by the Daily Post on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, football pundit and former star striker Michael Owen has put his weight behind Arsenal to successfully defend their Premier League title in the upcoming 2026/27 season. This endorsement comes as Arsenal are gearing up to embark on the task of retaining the top-flight crown, a feat that would follow their long-awaited triumph last term, which ended a 22-year drought. Their championship status was officially confirmed after Manchester City’s unexpected draw against Bournemouth, ultimately leaving Arsenal a comfortable seven points ahead of their closest rivals at the pinnacle of the league standings.Owen, a celebrated figure from his playing days at Manchester United and Real Madrid, posits that Mikel Arteta’s current Arsenal squad remains the benchmark in English football. However, he is quick to acknowledge that the path to a second consecutive title will not be straightforward, anticipating a fiercely contested championship race with several other prominent clubs expected to mount significant challenges.
“I believe we could witness a number of genuine title contenders this season,” Owen remarked in an interview with Metro. He specifically highlighted Chelsea’s potential, noting that their absence from European competitions would afford them a distinct advantage in terms of rest and preparation, allowing them to focus their energies solely on domestic pursuits. Furthermore, Owen suggested that the managerial transitions at both Liverpool and Manchester City could inject an element of unpredictability, with the possibility of new leadership sparking an immediate surge in form and placing them firmly in contention. He also pointed to Tottenham Hotspur’s astute transfer business as a factor that could see them emerge as serious challengers.”While Arsenal are undoubtedly the favourites heading into the season, it’s by no means a foregone conclusion that they will secure the title with ease,” Owen elaborated.
His assessment suggests that while Arsenal’s recent experience of lifting the coveted trophy will serve as a valuable asset, they should brace themselves for a demanding and competitive campaign.Chelsea, in particular, are identified by Owen as a club that could pose a substantial threat to Arsenal’s title aspirations. The absence of European football for Xabi Alonso’s side is seen as a significant tactical advantage, potentially allowing for enhanced squad rotation and a greater level of freshness throughout the gruelling domestic schedule. Chelsea are entering the new season with a palpable sense of renewed optimism under Alonso’s stewardship, particularly after a somewhat disappointing 10th-place finish in the previous campaign.Owen also emphasized the impact of recent managerial changes at both Liverpool and Manchester City as key elements that could contribute to a highly unpredictable title race.
Both clubs are in the process of adapting to new leadership, and Owen believes that a strong opening to the season could rapidly propel either team into serious contention for the Premier League title. Manchester City are embarking on a new chapter in their history following the departure of Pep Guardiola, while Liverpool are also entering a transitional period, making their performance levels particularly difficult to forecast with certainty.When pressed to provide his prediction for the top six teams in the Premier League for the 2026/27 season, Michael Owen placed Arsenal at the very top of his list.
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