Gabby Agbonlahor does not see Liverpool or Manchester United finishing in the top-four after what he saw on the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign, tipping Arsenal to finish second again while making fresh predictions for the season on talkSPORT.
The Merseyside club were held to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea on Sunday, while the Red Devils started the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
It was not a very impressive performance from Man United as Wolves could have won the game or at least left with a point if they had better finishers and were not undone by a controversial VAR decision in the closing stages of the game.
1️⃣ City
2️⃣ Arsenal
3️⃣ Newcastle
4️⃣ Chelsea“From those first match performances, I don’t see #MUFC or #LFC in that top four.”
Gabby Agbonlahor claims Man Utd and Liverpool have a LOT of work to do.. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vix74LM9ty
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 16, 2023
Erik ten Hag is hoping to improve on their third-place finish from last term, while Liverpool are also eyeing the title after finishing fifth last term, but Agbonlahor believes Manchester City will retain the title, tipping Arsenal to finish as runners-up again.
The former Aston Villa star believes Newcastle United will finish third, with fourth place going to Chelsea, and while fans will take his prediction with a pinch of salt, the traditional powerhouses could struggle this term.
There are 37 more games to go, but it does not appear that the Gunners, Man United or Liverpool have what it takes to challenge Man City going by how the reigning champions ran riot in their 3-0 win over Burnley on Friday night.
They found themselves 2-0 up heading into half-time courtesy of a brace from Erling Braut Haaland, but manager Pep Guardiola still was not pleased with the performance of the Norwegian hitman, and that constant demand for perfection could be the reason why the Etihad Stadium club will win the title for the fourth season in a row.
Man United and Liverpool did not look threatening and will need to reinforce their respective midfield if they are serious about challenging for major trophies this term, while Arsenal also need to be better at both ends of the pitch to have a chance of pipping Man City to the title.
