I also think that City did not have the best season last year and this is what gave Arsenal the opportunity to follow City until the very last round. And although in the last season it seemed that Arsenal became a more stable team, I am not in a hurry to say that Arteta will completely get rid of this problem, and therefore I do not think that Arsenal can become the main competitor for City this season, at least until the first decline.
As for me, I wouldn’t say that Manchester City did not have the best season last season, but I would rather say there is improvement in Premier League competition. Last season, some of these average teams really improved, and that is the reason why Manchester City was not able to beat them easily like in previous seasons. So Manchester City really performed well last season despite Arsenal. I believe even this season that is what will happen, so it's not that Manchester City did not have the best season last season, and that is why Arsenal got the opportunity to perform at that level. Even two seasons ago, Arsenal’s performance was similar.Looking at Arsenal’s performances, it is really clear that Arsenal is the main competitor in the Premier League currently. They have the squad, and we are observing improvements from them.
I don’t know why Manchester City is a lot of people’s pick to win this season’s championship. But I think Arsenal’s time to win the league title is due. They have been closer in the last two seasons. Everything points to them right now as the favorite to win.
I think they are now at a stage where if they don't win the league this season it is entirely their(Arteta) fault (loss of form, lack of X factor etc), not that they are not capable of winning the league with this squad.
Last season showed that the league was theirs if they wanted it. Apart from Haaland, I don't see where Manchester City blows them out of the water in terms of quality.
Sure, I know they’re levels above Arsenal right now but it’s not by big margins anymore. They will line up vs Manchester City now and it’s anybody’s game, I don’t think they aren’t inferior to them anymore.
They have the best shot this season. I expect a great season from them. Pep doesn’t really have the motivation to win again.