Sergio Aguero has declared Arsenal the team to beat in the upcoming Premier League season. The former Manchester City striker has even tipped Aston Villa as a dark horse for the title, highlighting the changes taking place among many of the league's leading clubs.
As reigning champions, Arsenal head into the new campaign with a summer of shrewd acquisitions, including Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Bruno Guimaraes, alongside the transfer of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
Aguero shared his insights:
“Arsenal have rightly become champions. They have been doing excellent work over the years with Arteta. Season after season, the club has brought in players to strengthen a very young squad, and now they have the necessary experience to challenge for more trophies.”
“They have strengthened well again. I think Arsenal are now a team that will be tough for everyone to defeat. They have maintained a clear playing philosophy and improved areas in need of enhancement with their new signings.”
However, Aguero believes the traditional power dynamics could shift due to managerial changes at rival clubs, singling out Unai Emery's side for praise:
“I would add Aston Villa to the title race. They are doing a great job under Emery.”
“This season has seen a lot of changes at the bigger clubs. It will be interesting to see who adapts quickest and finds the consistency needed to fight for the title right until the end.”
Many of the usual contenders are embarking on new projects: Chelsea with Xabi Alonso, Manchester City with Enzo Maresca, Liverpool with Andoni Iraola, Tottenham with Roberto De Zerbi, and Manchester United with Michael Carrick. Some have been at it longer, but overall, their teams are still in a transition phase.”
The former City forward also pointed to a potential advantage for Chelsea. This season, the London club will not be involved in European competitions, which could give Xabi Alonso a chance to manage player rotation more effectively:
“Chelsea will have fewer tournaments, which will play to their advantage in the Premier League. There will be less physical strain and less rotation. This could particularly benefit them in the latter part of the season when the championship is on the line.”
