Michael Owen discusses Arsenal being 'bottlers', Mikel Arteta sack talk and Pep Guardiola future

Jack Otway
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:57:01 +0000

Just weeks ago, Arsenal were widely considered to be the favourites for the Premier League title.

However, ever since a torrid 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley, the Gunners' season has spectacularly unravelled.

It's City who now occupy the Premier League summit, albeit on goals scored, with just five matches left to play.

The title race is on a knife-edge but, with Mikel Arteta's side faltering, many have accused the north London giants of lacking the bottle required to get over the line.

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As things stand, Arsenal face the unwanted prospect of becoming the first team to finish second four years in a row.

They'll be seeking a first win since March 14 when they welcome Eddie Howe's Newcastle to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Owen, speaking exclusively to GB News, believes that City are now on the ascendancy - but also expressed sympathy for Arsenal, too.

Speaking via Casino.org, a leading platform helping players find UK casino brands, he said: "It wasn't the loss to City that now means City are the favourites for the league.

"It’s the Bournemouth home game [which finished in a 2-1 defeat] and a few other late goals they have conceded.

"So yes they’ve dropped points in these other games which isn’t great if you’re challenging for the title.

"But, you also have to remember you are up against Pep Guardiola, one of the all time great managers in world football, so coming second to them, it’s not bad.

"But Arsenal have had chances to extend their lead at the top, but City are now looking strong."

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Arteta has faced scrutiny in recent weeks.

The Spaniard has undeniably rebuilt the club since his appointment in 2019, with the Gunners previously resembling a mess under Unai Emery.

Barring a solitary FA Cup trophy, however, Arteta is yet to lift any silverware. Premier League and Champions League titles, with each passing year, continue to pass them by.

Owen, however, thinks Arteta remains the right man to take Arsenal forward - regardless of how the campaign ends.

"Finishing second so many times isn’t nice at all, especially when you haven’t won the League for 22 years, but I would absolutely stick with Mikel Arteta," he continued.

"You look at what he is doing at Arsenal and you are not going to come any closer than what they have been doing in the Premier League.

"They've reached back to back Champions League semi-finals, and still a chance to go one better and reach the final this year.

"So this progress can’t be underestimated or taken for granted."

Another manager facing an uncertain future is Guardiola himself.

After a decade in Manchester, rumours continue to gather pace that he could be about to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

Owen thinks he should potentially stay, however, and add to his legacy.

"I still think he has the hunger to continue," he said.

"Just look at the recruitment they’ve made in [Marc] Guehi and [Antoine] Semenyo, plus [Rayan] Cherki as well.

"He must be excited to continue coaching them and winning more trophies for sure. There will be a point when he does step down, but for now, I think he would want to continue with this new group of players."