Ahead of the Curve: Are Arsenal worthy Premier League favourites?
Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City came from behind on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten starts to the Premier League season. That’s left them a point behind Liverpool in a three-way battle for top spot at this early stage of the season.
Rodri’s injury and City’s draw with Newcastle in the aftermath has seen the Gunners installed as favourites to win the title this term. But is that fair? We’ve checked in with our friends over at the Racing Post to get their thoughts on who deserves to lead the betting.
Henry Hardwicke
With Rodri out for the season and fellow star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne missing more and more games through injury you’d have to think there will be some drop off in City’s performances. Arsenal are best placed to take advantage, but perhaps 11/8 is a little too short.
Steve Davis
Does Rodri’s injury completely change the narrative? I’m not sure you can put a cigarette paper between City and Arsenal, which pretty much mirrors how last season mapped out. There is a growing belief at the Emirates that this is their season – but I would still have City as favs.
Jamie Griffith
Not quite. The loss of Rodri is significant but one player’s absence is unlikely to be enough to stop the City procession as, while not like-for-like, Ilkay Gundogan is as good a replacement for the Spaniard as anyone and his experience should not be underestimated. Arsenal still lack that title-winning experience and the Citizens have a level of depth throughout their squad that the Gunners can only dream of.
Aaron Rogan
It’s no surprise that there’s so little between Arsenal and City given how close last season’s title race was. The Gunners look just as strong as last season, so it’s fair they’re favourites to topple a City side without Rodri.
The real outliers seem to be Liverpool, who would likely be favourites if Jurgen Klopp was still in charge. Arne Slot adds uncertainty, but the true concern is their fixture list. They’ve enjoyed a pretty kind start and still dropped points to Nottingham Forest. Putting them in the mix with the top two and so far ahead of the chasing pack seems premature.
Arsenal’s start looks even more impressive when you consider their start hasn’t been easy. They’ve already played away to three of last season’s top five, taking seven points. Their away trips to weaker sides tend to come in the back-half of the season, which could be an advantage in the run-in.
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