Michael Owen believes Manchester City still have a chink of light in the Premier League title race but fears the writing is already on the wall ahead of an Arsenal coronation.
The Gunners cemented their position at the top of the table on Saturday night after Max Dowman’s history making heroics helped inspire a late, late show and a 2-0 win against Everton.
With the pressure firmly on them, City could only manage a 1-1 draw at relegation threatened West Ham and with the gap now standing at nine points, Pep Guardiola’s side have a mountain to climb.
For City to overhaul the overwhelming favourites, Owen insists they must win their game in hand against Crystal Palace and take three points off Arsenal when the two teams meet at the Etihad next month.
‘It’s virtually done and dusted,’ the former Liverpool striker told Premier League Productions.
‘Let’s assume, because it has to happen, that Manchester City beat Arsenal. It has to happen. Now, if they win their game in hand as well it’s only three points. Can Arsenal drop three points out of that fixture list?
‘Yes, they can so it’s not absolutely over.’
In reality, however, Owen can’t envisage a scenario whereby City win all of their remaining fixtures, including April’s showdown with Arsenal who he believes are well capable of digging in and avoiding defeat on enemy territory.
‘But, will Manchester City win every single game from their list?’ he added. ‘I think the answer is no, I just don’t think they’re good enough to win all of those on the spin.
‘They’ve not done it all season why are they going to do it now?
‘The other reason is they play each other and I can’t see Arsenal losing to Manchester City. I think they’re a very, very stubborn, strong team.
‘There is a chink of light but it’s not going to happen. It’s Arsenal’s now.”
The two rivals have the small matter of the Carabao Cup final to contest this weekend before they lock horns in the Premier League.
Owen’s fellow pundit, Tim Sherwood, feels City may well come out on top at Wembley and land a psychological blow, but the biggest prize will still be heading to north London before long.
‘They play in the cup final next Sunday and I think Manchester City might win that one but I don’t see them winning the Premier League,’ h e said.
‘That’s going to be red and white ribbons on that cup and very, very soon.
‘I honestly believe when they go to the Etihad I don’t think Arsenal will get beat.’