Man City snubbed as Gary Lineker makes Premier League title prediction

Gary Lineker has backed Arsenal to end Manchester City’s dominance next season by winning their first Premier League title in 20 years.

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The Gunners emerged as Man City’s biggest rival for the title last season and Lineker expects a similar scenario to play out in 2023-24, though he believes Mikel Arteta’s side will go one better.

Arsenal have strengthened Arteta’s squad this summer by signing England midfielder Declan Rice, Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber and former Chelsea star Kai Havertz.

Lineker would not be surprised to see Arsenal secure a couple more signings before the transfer deadline and believes the new players at the Emirates Stadium will take the team to the next level.

With Arsenal’s last title win coming in 2004, lifting the Premier League trophy next season would end a 20-year wait, though they will have to see off a Man City side who sealed a historic treble last season.

The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and perhaps even big-spending Chelseawill attempt to rival Man City and Arsenal for the Premier League crown.

‘I’m tipping Arsenal to win the title this season – maybe just to avoid being predictable but I do think they have had an impressive summer in the transfer market,’ Match of the Day presenter Lineker told The Sun.

‘Rather than demoralising them, going close and missing out last season will benefit Mikel Arteta’s side. Being in the title race has given them an experience that they didn’t previously have.

‘A lot of players who move for big money struggle to cope with their price tag but I don’t think that’ll be the case with ex-West Ham skipper Declan Rice.

‘He is an exceptional player – a holding midfielder but also far more than that. Rice is a real leader, who will run all day, a player who can break the lines and make things happen with the ball at his feet.

‘Of course, £105m is a massive fee but he will not have the same pressure as a forward player who moves for big money because they are constantly judged on their scoring record.

‘I’d like to see Rice add more goals to his game but nobody is expecting that of him. I’m also intrigued to see where Kai Havertz fits in because he is a wonderful talent.

‘Despite scoring Chelsea’s winner in the 2021 Champions League final, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of the German yet. He looks to me like his best position might be as a No 10 but Arsenal have the excellent Martin Odegaard there already.

‘Havertz may start the season at centre-forward as Gabriel Jesus is injured but he could also operate wide on the left or right or in a deeper role.

‘He certainly adds depth and I’d expect Arsenal to add to their squad even further before the deadline.

‘Losing William Saliba to injury during last season’s run-in was a massive blow for them – possibly a decisive one – but with more depth Arsenal are capable of going one better this coming season.’

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