Image credit: Getty Images
Former Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew, has identified one Premier League club he believes will bounce back strongly to mount a fierce challenge against Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title this season.
Arsenal currently sit four points clear at the top of the table after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The latest Premier League standings show Arsenal leading with 24 points, followed by Bournemouth with 20, and Manchester City with 18.
READ MORE: Brighton manager reveals how Premier League clubs can stop Arsenal set-piece goals
Defending champions Liverpool trail in fourth place, seven points behind the Gunners.
Pardew believes Manchester City’s experience and quality make them a formidable threat to Arsenal’s title ambitions despite their recent 1–0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Arsenal
Arsenal – Saka, Gyokeres, Eze, Timber celebrate after Eberechi Eze’s goal against Crystal Palace. ( Photo credit: Getty Images)
“You can’t but fear Man City making a challenge,” Pardew told talkSPORT. “I think there’s a big challenge in them even though they lost at Aston Villa, I really do.”
He added that while City’s reliance on Erling Haaland could be a potential concern, their overall squad depth gives them the capacity to launch a strong response.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“The only worry is if they’re too reliant on Haaland, who’s really on form but is still going to need others to pitch in,” Pardew noted.
City boss Pep Guardiola has also expressed optimism about his team’s ability to close the gap on Arsenal.
“We have to try to close [the gap],” Guardiola said. “Arsenal have been solid for many years. I’m concerned with how we can improve as a team and be close.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland have also been tipped as a potential stumbling block for Arsenal, with pundit Paul Merson praising their athleticism, pace, and organisation ahead of their clash at the Stadium of Light on November 8.
NEXT ARTICLE: Enzo Maresca reacts to Arsenal set-piece goals comparison