Michael Owen is backing Arsenal to win the Premier League this season.
The Gunners have finished runners-up to City over each of the past two seasons, but Owen believes the North London side will take the next step in the upcoming campaign and claim their first league title in over two decades.
Owen points to how Arsenal played against the Sky Blues last season as a learning experience for Mikel Arteta's side — one that they will take to heart when the teams meet in the future.
“Arsenal might not make the same mistake as they did last season in playing for a draw against Manchester City," Owen told Casino Hawks.
“The way the game panned out there was an opportunity there for Arsenal had they been a bit more aggressive and in future games that might be how they play it.
“To win a league you can't play it safe, you've got to go and take the bull by the horns at some point and go win games. Of course they did unbelievably well overall, but that might have been a game that they look back and regret. If that situation occurred again they might have a different approach to it."
Additionally, Owen isn't overly impressed with City's vaunted squad depth. The 2001 Ballon d'Or winner thinks the club are not as strong as they were in years past, which could help Arsenal finally defeat them.
“This season so many things can derail a title charge and that’s the same for Manchester City, there could be injuries to Erling Haaland and Rodri, there is talk of Julian Alvarez and Ederson leaving," Owen said.
"People go on and on about Manchester City's strong squad, but I don't think they've got a real strong squad in terms of depth when you look at how key some of those players are.
“I just think they've got a good or great 16 or 17 players but they haven't been blighted by many injuries in recent times like other clubs.
“Loads can happen in a Premier League season and I just think Arsenal don't make mistakes now like they used to, that’s why I think it will be their season.”
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