Former Chelsea defender and France international Frank Leboeuf has re-evaluated his predictions for the upcoming Premier League season following Manchester City's dismal 0-3 loss to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield. Now, the ESPN pundit does not see Enzo Maresca's team even challenging for a top-four spot.
Before the match in Cardiff, Leboeuf had predicted City would finish second, just behind Arsenal. But after witnessing the performance, he has dropped the Manchester outfit down to fifth place, while including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the top four.
Leboeuf stated:
We assess teams based on what we see right now, and Manchester City aren't ready. Arsenal look completely set for the season, while City are not. They will drop points early on, and catching up might prove impossible.
The 1998 World Cup winner was especially critical of Erling Haaland's performance, branding the forward a “ghost” during the clash with Arsenal:
Before the game, I thought they might finish second. But after that, I simply can’t place City higher than fifth. They are too far behind Arsenal right now.
As it stands, Leboeuf’s current top-five predictions are:
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester United
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
