Share
10th August 2023
04:54pm BST
"I think Arsenal actually, I'm gonna go for Arsenal.""City are obviously phenomenal. I watched the game on Sunday and I know it's only the Community Shield, but honestly talk about two teams being up for it. Guardiola's face when they conceded the goal, Arteta went bananas. Arsenal came out winners of this year's Community Shield against Pep Guardiola's side, who ran out Premier League winners last season after the North London club crumbled in the latter half of the season. "Psychologically I think it's such a boost for them. Arsenal go into the season knowing they have emerged as their rivals now and always just to get one over on your rivals, I think it bodes well for the coming season." Continuing on why he thinks Arsenal will pip City to the title next season, Cawley looked to Mikel Arteta's strong squad building over the summer, particular the addition of Declan Rice. "I just think the way they've strengthened and how they look, the squad they've built up, I think they will push them really, really close. I'm not suggesting that flat out they're going to win the league. Also on the podcast was SportsJOE's Robbie Redmond, who agreed with Cawley's assessment of Arsenal running City close, adding: "City have lost players too and Arsenal have improved as Alan was saying. The last piece they get that could really make me think they could get gap on them is David Raya. I think he's phenomenal. I think by Christmas he'll replace [Ramsdale]." However there's one important missing piece that may hurt the North Londoners' chances next season. "I think they're lacking a goalscorer. Jesus is very good, he opens up the space for other players, Trossard will be good as a false nine, but they're going to have to [strengthen in that area]."
Explore more on these topics:
