Michael Owen working as a Premier League pundit
Michael Owen predicted Manchester City's struggles during pre-season
Manchester City are proving Michael Owen's bold Premier League pre-season prediction right with their recent struggles.
Pep Guardiola's side was among the favourites to retain their title when coming into the campaign as champions following their fourth consecutive success. However, their latest defeat away against Aston Villa leaves them way off the pace in the title race.
Few foresaw such a drop off from City, but Owen was one of those who did. Before the season began, the former striker anticipated Arsenal clinching the Premier League title, with Liverpool close behind and Villa coming third.
Surprisingly, he tipped City for fourth, controversially remarking: "Manchester City will struggle to make the top four this season." With Guardiola's team having seemed unstoppable in the past few years, such a claim appeared absurd.
However, after another demoralising loss at Villa Park, with goals from John Duran and former City academy graduate Morgan Rogers leaving them in sixth spot with 27 points—two points adrift of Champions League qualification as Christmas approaches—Owen's earlier comments are now making waves.
Responding to the resurgence of his statement on X, formerly Twitter, Owen said: "Glad you noticed," accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji. As many envisaged another dominant season for City, a single victory in their last 12 games has now cast doubt over their prospects of securing a place in Europe's most prestigious tournament next season.
The Premier League title is up for grabs, with Chelsea recently joining Arsenal and Liverpool towards the top of the table. Liverpool are in the driving seat with 36 points.
However, Enzo Maresca's team, currently on 34 points, can leapfrog them by defeating Everton before Arne Slot's side takes on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Regardless of these outcomes, the Merseyside team still have a game in hand against Everton over their rivals.