Although some Arsenal fans might disagree, the consensus seems to be that Spaniard Mikel Arteta has worked wonders at the Emirates since he joined in December 2019. Having very nearly compounded domestic cup success with the league trophy last season, many Gooners were of the opinion that they required one or two key transfers to lift their first Premier League since 2004.
The way the season is shaping up, it looks like Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and even Spurs could be the frontrunners for the title. Although the latter, renowned for their inability to mount any serious domestic challenges or win any trophies, are the bookmakers’ outsiders for the league despite their strong start.
Manchester City have dominated English football for over half a decade, with the exception of one season from Liverpool, no team has come close to breaking their monopoly. It should be no surprise that they’re the bookmaker’s favourites for the title. Quite far behind them are Arsenal and Liverpool, essentially neck and neck with most sports betting companies, but if you’re looking for value, the rewarding Betfred welcome offer provides a few more avenues you can take a look at. So why is City so far ahead of Arsenal according to the betting companies, and is there any value in placing a wager for the Gooners to upset the apple cart and pip City to the title?
Setbacks to consider
Having beaten City earlier this season, Arsenal fans would have been optimistic that the tide was beginning to turn, and having started the first ten games unbeaten, going to traditional bogey grounds like Goodison Park and winning, there was every reason to be optimistic about their chances. The recent setback against Arsenal shouldn’t hinder Arteta too much. Although the match has been overshadowed due to a couple of dubious VAR decisions leading up to Newcastle’s winner, it wasn’t a resounding defeat. Ultimately, this is a positive for Arteta, and they can use this setback as fuel to get back on track.
The return of LFC
Jurgen Klopp’s men had a disastrous first half of last season, effectively ending their hopes for the Premier League and top four. However, the final half of the season saw them catapult up the table, missing out on Champions League qualification by just a few points, and they’ve taken this inspired form into the new campaign. There are still defensive frailties in the Liverpool team that can’t be overlooked. Dropping points to Luton Town will have been highly frustrating for Klopp, who hopes to challenge City and Arsenal again this year.
The bookmakers have them neck and neck with Arsenal at around 7/1, and the game at Anfield over the Christmas period should give a clearer picture as to where both teams are in the bigger picture of the title race.
Who will lift the Premier League?
Sports betting companies rarely get these things wrong, although, in outright markets, there is still a lot to consider. Manchester City have established a commanding lead in the odds. Many bookies have them at less than evens, with some offering slim offs of 4/9, which is staggering considering we haven’t even reached Christmas yet. Most fans and pundits agree that it is City’s title to lose, and the reigning European champions are still setting the benchmark for other teams to reach. As the odds would suggest, it’d be a colossal upset if Arsenal or Liverpool managed to beat City to the title this year; that’s despite Arsenal’s victory over them at the Emirates this season. Guardiola’s men have the depth and skill that no other team has in the league, and their consistency means they’re likely set to retain their title and perhaps even retain their Champions League, too, a truly formidable outfit.