James Predicts Arsenal Slip to 4th as Liverpool Eye Title

Mikel Arteta is under some pressure to improve on second place (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal are hoping to push on from a hat-trick of second place finishes to win the title this season, but a Premier League legend does not see it happening.

The Gunners have been consistent over the last three campaigns but have fallen short in their title challenges, twice to Manchester City and last season to Liverpool.

They have made big moves in the transfer market this summer, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke arriving as they hope to make that final leap to glory.

Former Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper David James does not think they will manage that this season, in fact, he expects them to go the other way.

The 53-cap England international fancies both Chelsea and Man City to improve on last season, with the Gunners dropping down to a disappointing fourth-place finish.

‘This season will be unique in so many ways because of the Club World Cup,’ James said at the launch of Final One Standing by William Hill .

‘That tournament allowed Chelsea – and to a lesser extent Manchester City – an opportunity to get their summer signings integrated into the team in competitive fixtures. That would suggest those two teams come into the first game of the season in a strong position, with somewhat of a head-start compared to their rivals.

Chelsea won the Club World Cup in July (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Looking at Liverpool’s pre-season, their new signings such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike look very good. If Arne Slot has learned from last season and continues to improve not only the players he inherited but the talent they’ve signed and can find a good chemistry in the squad, then they should make a flying start to the season.

‘There will inevitably be a lot of expectation but Liverpool are better than their rivals and even if they do not make a spectacular start, they have a great chance to win the Premier League again – the title is theirs to lose.

‘I can see Man City finishing second, Chelsea third and Arsenal falling back to fourth.’

The bookmakers agree with James that Liverpool are favourites for the title, although don’t see the Gunners falling behind City and Chelsea.

Arsenal are second favourites to win the Premier League behind the defending champions, followed by Manchester City, Chelsea and then a substantial jump in the odds to Manchester United.

David James made 572 Premier League appearances over his career (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked last month about his team’s title chances and suggested that as many as nine teams could challenge for the top prize.

‘Every year we have to see how things develop but I see the right balance in terms of maturity, experience, youth, hunger and all these ingredients are there,’ he said.

‘The thing is there are another six, seven, eight clubs in the league that have the right ingredients to win and there is only going to be one winner. So we have to focus a lot on the things that we can control, that we can do, to achieve what we want at the end of the season.’

Crystal Palace won the Community Shield for the first time (Picture: Getty Images)

Title favourites Liverpool were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace after a 2-2 draw in the Community Shield on Sunday, with boss Arne Slot admitting his defence is a bit of a concern after conceding regularly in pre-season friendlies as well.

‘It’s a bit mixed feelings. If you look at our attacking play against a team who is so compact, it is maybe a bit better than last season,’ Slot told TNT Sports.