Mikel Arteta has tipped Manchester United to emerge as surprise contenders in the Premier League title race this season if they can string together a consistent run under Ruben Amorim.
After 13 games, Liverpool sits firmly at the top of the league with a nine-point lead over second-place Arsenal. Defending champions Manchester City, struggling for form, find themselves in fifth, 11 points behind Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
United, who visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Wednesday, are showing signs of resurgence. A resounding 4-0 victory over Everton on Sunday has propelled Amorim’s side within four points of the top four.
While overcoming a 15-point deficit to Liverpool remains a tall order, Arteta believes the Premier League’s unpredictable nature leaves the door open.
“Any team that has the capacity to put together five or six wins in a row is going to be there because it’s so tough,” Arteta said at a press conference. “You see it every week. Teams struggle to maintain a winning streak. So anything is possible.”
Manchester City, currently enduring a seven-game winless streak and reeling from four consecutive league defeats, might appear out of the title picture. However, Arteta isn’t ready to write them off.
“This is a team that has the capacity to turn things around and win, win, win,” he said of Guardiola’s side. “So don’t rule them out. We know how much quality they have.”
Chelsea has also emerged as genuine contenders, sitting level on points with Arsenal in third after their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. The midweek fixtures could further shake up the title race, with Chelsea visiting Southampton and Liverpool traveling to Newcastle United.
For United, a strong showing against Arsenal could strengthen their resurgence and spark optimism about a late-season push under Amorim. The Premier League remains as unpredictable as ever, with no team yet safe or out of contention.
For the latest updates and analysis, follow SoftFootball on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.