Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has backed Manchester City for the Premier League title after their stunning start to the season. He believes that they have done well to keep the ship going despite losing some of their best players.
Speaking to Metro, Owen said that he was impressed with Manchester City after they picked up their sixth win of the season against Liverpool on Sunday, October 11. He admitted Enzo Maresca's side were not up to the mark in pre-season and showed no signs of improvement before the season started. He said:
"I’ve been really impressed with them. I did have my doubts pre-season, absolutely. You’re losing two of the most influential people in football, Guardiola and Rodri, and then to lose 20-something medals out of the dressing room with Bernardo Silva, John Stones and others. It was a real loss to the club, and which clubs really thrive after a manager has been so successful for such a long period of time? It’s nearly always a poisoned chalice for the person taking over next."
"There were so many grounds for thinking this could be a struggle for Manchester City. Obviously, they’ve still got good players, and obviously, they invested well and all that, but they’re going up against a team like Arsenal, a well-oiled machine that just won the league. I thought that City might struggle to win the league and I still think Arsenal are the team to beat – don’t get me wrong – but I’ve been really impressed with the way City, and they look like they’ll be right in the mix."
The former Liverpool striker admitted he backed Arsenal for the title, but has since switched his support to Manchester City.
Former Liverpool star hails Manchester City
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has praised Manchester City's decision to appoint Enzo Maresca and build on the foundation Pep Guardiola laid. He believes that they are going about it well with the club's future and said:
"I think it was probably a masterstroke as well from City to almost go with continuity with Maresca. He went to other clubs, but he’d been at the club before; he was there, a few of the players will know him, he knows the club and knows the tactics and everything else like that."
The Cityzens are top of the Premier League table, with six wins from six. Liverpool are ninth, with two wins from six and three draws.