Arsenal and Manchester City both came from behind on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. That leaves them one point behind Liverpool in a three-way battle for top spot early in the season.
Rodri’s injury and City’s subsequent draw with Newcastle have installed the Gunners as favorites to win the title this time. But is it fair? We’ve contacted our friends at Racing Post to get their views on who deserves to lead the betting.
henry hardwick
With Rodri out for the season and fellow star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne missing more and more games through injury, you have to think that City’s performances will take a bit of a dip. Arsenal are in the best position to take advantage, but perhaps 11/8 is a bit low.
steve davis
Does Rodri’s injury completely change the story? I’m not sure you could put a cigarette paper between City and Arsenal, that largely mirrors last season’s mapping. There is a growing feeling at the Emirates that this is their season – but I still see City as favourites.
jamie griffith
Not enough. The loss of Rodri is significant, but the absence of one player is unlikely to be enough to stop City’s procession, although that is not the case, Ilkay Gundogan is as good a replacement for the Spaniard as anyone else and his experience should not be underestimated. Should go. Arsenal still lack title-winning experience and the Citizens have a level of depth throughout their squad that the Gunners can only dream of.
aaron rogan
It’s no surprise that there are very few differences between Arsenal and City, given how close last season’s title race was. The Gunners are looking just as strong as last season, so it’s fair that they are the favorites to beat a City team without Rodri.
The real outliers appear to be Liverpool, who would likely have been favorites if Jurgen Klopp was still in charge. Earning the slot adds uncertainty, but the real concern is their fixture list. They have made a very good start and yet have dropped points to Nottingham Forest. It seems premature to put him in the mix with the top two and so far ahead of the chase group.
Arsenal’s start looks even more impressive when you consider that they have not had an easy start. They have already finished last season with seven points from three of the top five. Their trips to weaker sides tend to be in the latter half of the season, which may provide an advantage in the run-in.
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