Former Liverpool star and current BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman has backed Tottenham to triumph over Arsenal in the battle of north London in the Premier League next season.
Spurs have finished ahead of their local rivals for the past two season, with Arsenal having slipped out of the top four in Arsene Wenger’s final campaigns in charge, but despite the arrival of Unai Emery at the helm of the Gunners, it is Mauricio Pochettino’s men he is backing to come out on top.
However, he is expecting both clubs to be left trailing in the wake of Manchester City and Liverpool, who he predicts will finish first and second respectively, followed in third by Tottenham and fourth by Arsenal.
As quoted by the Mirror, McManaman said: “Manchester City were so dominant so you wonder whether they can carry on going. Liverpool have done some excellent business in the transfer window. Some of the other clubs have a little bit of catch-up to do.
“Unai Emery has come in and brought in four and five, so it will be very interesting how they do. He did his business early.
“Tottenham may still do some business, they had a lot of players involved in the latter stages of the World Cup, so they are in limbo for a little time.”
Opinion
It might well be McManaman’s job to ruffle some feathers, but there will be very few who can argue with his predictions for the upcoming campaign. City looked unstoppable at times last season and having hit their stride, it would take a brave individual to bet against Pep Guardiola and his men. Liverpool’s weaknesses have been addressed quickly by Jurgen Klopp and he will be hoping they have an immediate impact to try and battle their north west rivals for their first Premier League title. Arsenal have a lot of catching up to do after two disappointing seasons, and Emery has wasted no time in bringing in the signings he feels the club need to break back into the top four. Spurs meanwhile have been playing a patient game and while it is making fans nervy, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have faith with the squad who have done so well over the last 48 months. If Harry Kane can continue his incredible goal scoring record, then he could fire Spurs to another season of Champions League football.