You are actually right because Manchester City last season and now are actually not the same because last season to an extend we were thinking that Arsenal will win the league but do to how consistent Manchester City is they were able to win there way to the first position and at the end wining the trophy. So actually the kind of favour that followed them last season is not longer with them on this season because for now Liverpool and Arsenal are the most favoured because unlike there last season when Arsenal was there only competitor but this season not only Arsenal but also Liverpool, although there chances are not yet over because they still have the chance to compete with Liverpool only if they can win Arsenal on there meeting and if they draw it will still affect them because Arsenal and Liverpool will still be ahead of them.
Every team usually have their peak season and this season is definitely not the one for Manchester City. Even if they eventually win the premiership title this season, there is no basis for comparing the Manchester City of last season to the one we have now. By this time last year, it was pretty obvious how the season will end. But this season, there is no one that can bet who will win the league. I know some betting companies, if not all of them, have odds for the teams regarding who will win the title. The odds for the team at the top is usually high but this year there is a major confusion because three teams are competing tightly and there is no clear direction as at now. The next few matches will somehow give us the direction the league will go.
This season is different from last season, that it was very easy to know the club that won the league. This season is very tough, as three clubs are on it, amd no one can predict the winner. This is because all three clubs are in their best form, and none of them is ready to drop points. But as time passes by, and the end of the season draws near, we shall tell who will be the winner.
Arsenal is stronger than last season by this time last season. Which made it difficult for them to keep being consistent in their matches, and it affected them a lot, leading to the lost of the trophy. This is why I think that Arteta will want to use this opportunity wisely to win the league since his team are very strong to do the job.