While Liverpool have emerged as Manchester City’s primary title challengers over the past eight or so years, Arsenal gave Pep Guardiola’s side some nervy moments in 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Manchester City’s decision to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus nearly came back to haunt them in 2022/23, though the Citizens held firm in the end.
And in 2023/24, Arsenal ended up finishing second on 89 points, just two behind a rampant City who found form at just the right time.
But while the Gunners will be eager to go again next season, Jamie O’Hara has now made a claim about them that City fans will welcome.
Declan Rice of Arsenal battles for possession with Rodri of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jamie O’Hara says Arsenal are ‘a million miles away’ from Manchester City
O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant discussed Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak on talkSPORT and why Arsenal don’t seem to be in for him.
Pennant spoke about a ‘food chain’ in football, in which the very best clubs will be able to compete for the best players at the clubs in the bracket just below, and so on.
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When asked about the Premier League ‘food chain’, Pennant said: “You’re looking at probably Liverpool and Man City I reckon.
“If you have them two coming in and also an Arsenal, they would probably fight it out between them two. I’d say Arsenal are below Liverpool and Man City.”
Meanwhile, O’Hara said: “Arsenal ain’t in that (top) category… Arsenal are in the ‘between’ bracket.
“Man United, Spurs, Newcastle, Chelsea… Arsenal are just in that bracket above them, but a million miles away from Liverpool and Man City.”
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Who could cause problems for Manchester City next season
City fans will be pleased to hear that, for all of Arsenal’s efforts in strengthening their squad over the past five years, they’re still not considered on an even footing with City.
However, Liverpool remain a huge threat for City – indeed, their lack of transfer activity last season means they’ve been able to go all in during this summer’s transfer window.
Liverpool’s interest in Isak is especially concerning for City, as he would no doubt go up a level at Anfield.
At the same time, City are doing their best to ensure that last season is only a blip in Pep Guardiola’s glittering stint at the helm of the club.
The Citizens have brought in a multitude of top talents for the present and for the future, along with offloading players surplus to Guardiola’s requirements.