Jamie Carragher has named Arsenal and Manchester City as the two favourites to win the Premier League title next season after Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The defending champions' dismal campaign took another blow as Kobbie Mainoo scored a 77th-minute winner for United, who secured their place in next season's Champions League and moved six points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool with three games remaining.
Carragher's Verdict on Title Contenders
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, Carragher dismissed both Liverpool and Manchester United as genuine title contenders for next season. He stated: “I still think Liverpool are better-placed than United, but I don’t think either of them will be in the title race next season. I still think it will be Arsenal or Manchester City.” Carragher pointed out that United have benefitted from a lack of European football and early cup exits, creating a false impression of their strength. He added: “Man United will finish third this season, but I don’t believe they are the third-best team in the Premier League.”
Neville's Optimism for United
Gary Neville, however, suggested the league could be up for grabs in the next one to two years, with Manchester United well placed to exploit the situation. He noted that both clubs need to recruit well this summer, but added: “At some point, Pep Guardiola has to leave. And I don’t think the other big clubs are quite right. There is a league title up for grabs over the next one to two years.”
Liverpool, who battled back from 2-0 down through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, now face Chelsea at Anfield, while United host Sunderland. Meanwhile, Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the table after beating Fulham 3-0, but Manchester City have two games in hand, starting with Everton on Monday night. Arsenal are chasing their first title since 2004, while City have won six of the last eight.
