Michael Owen has had a change of heart regarding Manchester City's title ambitions. Pre-season, the former striker was sceptical about whether the club would be able to mount a serious challenge for the championship, but he has been won over by their stunning start under Enzo Maresca.
City kicked off the season with six consecutive wins and currently sit atop the Premier League table, their latest triumph a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
The reigning champions, Arsenal, have also made a strong start, with Mikel Arteta’s side winning five out of six matches, including a hard-fought victory against Leeds.
Yet, Owen was not convinced that Manchester City could bounce back quickly after major changes over the summer.
In an interview with Metro, he acknowledged:
I genuinely had my doubts about them at the start of the season. The club lost two incredibly influential figures - Pep Guardiola and Rodri.
Furthermore, they were without Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and other players who contributed to their trophy haul. Those were massive losses.
Owen added that following a successful manager after an extended period is often a significant test for any club.
He elaborated:
Very few teams continue to thrive after losing a manager who has been so successful for a long time.
For his successor, it’s almost always an incredibly tough task. That gave me plenty of reasons to expect issues for Manchester City.
However, Maresca's work has left a strong impression on the former frontman.
Owen remarked:
I thought it would be tough for City to win the title. And I still view Arsenal as the team to beat in the title race.
But I’m very impressed with how Manchester City are playing. It is now quite clear they will be among the main contenders.
He particularly praised the club's hierarchy for appointing Maresca, seeing him as a fitting successor to Guardiola due to his understanding of the club and its footballing philosophy.
Owen explained:
I think bringing in Maresca was a genius decision. The club essentially opted for continuity.
He has worked at Manchester City before, knows some of the players, understands the club, and grasps its tactical principles.
It looks as if the team has just continued from where they left off. I’m extremely impressed with what they are showing on the pitch.
Despite his admiration, Owen still isn't ready to place City above Arsenal in the title race.
However, his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard has already changed his prediction.
Following City’s demolition of Andoni Iraola’s team, Gerrard stated on The Overlap:
At the start of the season, I thought Arsenal would just keep winning.
But now, after six or seven matches, I would put my money on Manchester City.
After what I saw against Liverpool, my choice is City. They are incredibly strong. And when you also look at their bench, it's impressive.
Such a solid start to the season has undoubtedly caused some pundits to reassess their pre-season predictions.
Despite off-field issues, Manchester City are yet to drop a point and are once again viewed as serious contenders for the championship title.
