For a significant part of the season, it seemed like Arsenal would disrupt Manchester City’s reign, but they faltered towards the end. However, they are poised to rebound with greater force next season.
The Gunners aren’t the only ones in this position. Following an impressive debut season with Manchester United, Erik ten Hag is looking forward to building on a firm foundation. Similarly, Chelsea’s decision to bring in Mauricio Pochettino indicates their keenness to rise and contend once again at the summit of English football.
Following a dip in their performance last season, Liverpool is predicted to regain their stride, while Newcastle, after their unexpected top-four finish last season, is another team to keep an eye on in the outright market.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, although not as overpowering as they were in the past, concluded the season on a high note, frustrating Arsenal’s aspirations.
Their 16-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League allowed City to secure the title with three games remaining, providing them ample time to prepare for their FA Cup and Champions League victories, thus completing the treble.
Striker Erling Haaland’s contribution of 36 league goals was instrumental in City’s success, and his performance could be even better in his second Premier League season.
However, with Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona and ongoing rumours of Bernardo Silva’s potential exit, City’s squad might see some changes this season. Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic has been brought in to revitalize the midfield, and City is expected to bolster their team further before the new season commences. Guardiola is eager to sign a new centre-back, and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol has been heavily linked with a move to Etihad.
But can City’s competitors narrow the gap?
City remains the favourite to clinch their fourth consecutive Premier League title. However, their competitors are gearing up to dethrone them.
Liverpool has already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively, and they are 8/1 to win their first league title since the 2019-20 season under Jurgen Klopp.
Manchester United is also projected to be active in the transfer market, likely in search of a replacement for goalkeeper David De Gea, who became a free agent after his contract expired.
Pochettino has a major task ahead
The most substantial overhaul this season is likely to occur at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino aims to elevate Chelsea’s performance.
Chelsea’s owners have already invested £600 million in new players but remain open to additional spending, with Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig and Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal already onboard. In the meantime, Pochettino has started to reduce the oversized squad with the departures of Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
A miraculous turnaround in the next few months would be required for the Blues to regain their footing, but they are still anticipated to outperform Newcastle, who might find it challenging to balance their return to the Champions League while maintaining a strong Premier League presence.
Despite missing out on top transfer target James Maddison, who chose to move to Tottenham, Newcastle has managed to secure the signing
