The recently concluded season brought unexpected twists in the race for the title, with Manchester City eventually emerging as champions. As we look ahead to the upcoming campaign, Ben Husband from the Mirror shared his insight as to which teams will be the biggest challengers to Guardiola's side next season.
Arsenal's Near-Miss
Arsenal led for a significant portion of the season, fueling hopes of ending their 19-year title drought. However, their lack of squad depth ultimately proved fatal, leaving them short of the dream. Although the Gunners aim to recruit new players during the summer, it is unlikely that they will overtake the Citizens.
Liverpool's Potential Resurgence
Despite a disappointing season, Liverpool should not be written off. Under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, they possess a track record of success and the ability to match City's relentless firepower. An impactful summer could see the Reds bounce back stronger and pose a significant challenge in the title race.
Manchester United's Progress
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United, have shown signs of progress. Yet, they still need to address their away form against top-six teams and narrow the gap between themselves and their local rivals. Closing the distance with City will require further development and improvement.
City's Expected Strong Start
City's triumph this season means they are unlikely to have a bad start in the upcoming campaign. This puts pressure on potential challengers to begin strong from the outset if they want to mount a serious title challenge.
The Need for Transformative Summers
Both Liverpool and Arsenal require transformative summers to strengthen their squads and enhance their chances of challenging City. Recruitment and strategic planning will play a crucial role in determining their competitiveness next season.
With City preparing to defend their title, the stage is set for a captivating battle to unfold in the struggle to replace the reigning champions.