Troy Deeney’s recent remarks on the Premier League title race have sparked significant debate, particularly his views on why Arsenal are considered stronger favorites than Manchester City. With City’s form under scrutiny after a series of disappointing results, Deeney believes the betting odds and public perception may be underestimating the reigning champions’ resilience and capacity for a comeback. He also weighed in on their upcoming clash against Liverpool at Anfield, expressing confidence in City’s ability to rebound.
City’s Recent Struggles: A Temporary Dip?
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, have set unparalleled standards in English football over the past few years. However, their current form paints a different picture. The team has lost three consecutive Premier League matches and hasn’t tasted victory across all competitions since their 1-0 win over Southampton on October 26. This downturn comes despite the positive morale boost of Guardiola’s recent contract extension. Instead of lifting spirits, the announcement seemed to coincide with further woes, including a crushing 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham—a result that left many questioning City’s defensive solidity and overall cohesion.
Yet, for Deeney, this slump is more of an anomaly than an indication of systemic issues. He believes that City’s pedigree and squad depth, especially with talents like Erling Haaland, give them an edge over Arsenal in the long run. “I think City are going to be better organized,” Deeney remarked on talkSPORT. “This is the perfect game for them. I know that’s a weird thing to say.”
Liverpool vs. City: A Defining Moment?
Deeney’s optimism for City’s chances against Liverpool is not widely shared. The Reds, revitalized under new head coach Arne Slot, have been in imperious form. Their only loss this season was a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. In Europe, they’ve been equally dominant, most recently dispatching Real Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League, maintaining a flawless record in the competition. This resurgence has led many to believe that City’s visit to Anfield could further exacerbate their problems.
Nevertheless, Deeney sees this match as an opportunity for City to regroup and prove their mettle. “Liverpool just beat Real Madrid, so their fans are expectant. But this is the first time Man City have been underdogs in a game for the betting companies. So everyone is writing them off. I think they will be more together, more solid. I can see them nicking it, 2-1,” he predicted.
Arsenal’s Favoritism: Misguided?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Deeney’s commentary is his skepticism about Arsenal being touted as stronger title contenders than City. The Gunners have had a strong start to the season, but Deeney questions whether they have the consistency and firepower to outlast City over 38 games. “People were telling me today, Arsenal are more favorites to win the league than Man City, and Man City are second. I don’t know what’s going on,” he said. Deeney emphasized the presence of Erling Haaland, widely regarded as the best striker in the world, as a crucial factor. “And they still have the best striker in the world, right? I’m confused.”
For Deeney, Arsenal’s odds reflect recency bias rather than a true assessment of each team’s capabilities. While Arsenal have shown significant improvement under Mikel Arteta, City’s experience in navigating title races and their proven ability to recover from setbacks should not be overlooked.
Defending Kyle Walker: Unfair Criticism?
Another focal point of Deeney’s analysis was the recent criticism directed at City right-back Kyle Walker. The defender has faced scrutiny following some high-profile duels, particularly against players known for their pace, such as Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Adama Traoré. Deeney finds this criticism misplaced, arguing that Walker’s performances are being unfairly judged in isolation.
“Because now he’s all of a sudden old because he’s been run twice by Semenyo, who’s not exactly slow, and Adama Traoré, who is basically Usain Bolt,” Deeney pointed out. He contrasted this with the relatively lenient treatment of Manuel Akanji, who, according to Deeney, has not been scrutinized to the same extent despite similar defensive lapses. “I think there’s a lot of people like Akanji, who gets away with murder in that regard. He’s not really defended that great. Then Kyle’s the one we dig out. But that’s the role of being a big player; he gets just as much adulation as he does negativity.”
The Bigger Picture
Deeney’s remarks underscore a broader narrative about perceptions in football. Manchester City’s recent struggles have led to questions about their dominance, but Deeney’s perspective serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of football form. The upcoming clash with Liverpool is not just another fixture; it’s a litmus test for City’s title credentials and their ability to bounce back from adversity.
For Arsenal, the challenge is different. They must prove that their early-season promise can translate into sustained performance, especially as the pressure mounts in the second half of the season. City’s experience, star power, and managerial acumen under Guardiola remain formidable, and Deeney’s skepticism about Arsenal’s favoritism reflects a belief that the Gunners still have much to prove.
In the end, the Premier League’s unpredictability is what makes it so compelling. Whether City can defy the odds at Anfield and reclaim their status as favorites remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: in the words of Troy Deeney, writing off Pep Guardiola’s side might be premature.