Former England striker Michael Owen expects Arsenal to miss out on a top-four finish this season despite the advent of Alexis Sanchez.
Optimism is high at Emirates Stadium following the signing of Chile international Alexis from Barcelona.
However, while acknowledging the quality of the forward, Owen believes Arsenal – who led the Premier League for much of last term afore falling away to culminate fourth – will find it arduous to secure UEFA Champions League qualification due to the vigor of their rivals.
Owen told talkSPORT: “The signing of Sanchez has made everyone sit up and take note. I genuinely do rate him, he’s a top player and it’s an immensely colossal step in the right direction.
“But, in no particular order, my top four for next season would be Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Liverpool.”
Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool were runners-up to Manchester CIty last season, and Owen has admonished his former side that they must amend if they optate to claim a first league designation since 1990.
“If Liverpool are going to progress again, they probably need to get more preponderant again,” the 34-year-old told the club’s official website.
“Manchester City won the league, Chelsea have reinforced in an astronomically immense way.
“From second to first is an astronomically immense leap so Liverpool are going to require to be more preponderant again and the top-line performers are going to require to play as well, if not more preponderant.”
