Paul Dickov sees Arsenal as Manchester City’s main rivals
Former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov has stated that Arsenal have now taken over from Liverpool as City’s fiercest Premier League rivals after a dominant period under Pep Guardiola, reports BritPanorama.
Manchester City have been the benchmark in English football over the past decade, securing six Premier League titles in the last seven completed seasons and achieving the unprecedented feat of four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.
Guardiola’s team also set a remarkable record during the 2017/18 season by amassing 100 points, a milestone that Dickov attributes to the development of one of the most intense rivalries in English football history. “People are going to point to Liverpool and obviously the Pep against Jurgen Klopp, going head-to-head for so many years,” Dickov noted.
Between 2018 and 2024, Liverpool and City shared almost every Premier League title, often separated by remarkably narrow margins. “For so long, it was four or five seasons,” Dickov added. “It was wonderful to watch. They were by far the two best teams in the country.” However, Liverpool ended City’s dominant streak by clinching the 2024/25 Premier League title with 84 points, ahead of Arsenal and City, who finished with 74 and 71 points, respectively.
According to Dickov, the focus of rivalry has now shifted to Arsenal. “So at the minute, because of Liverpool’s poor form this season and the way they’ve dropped off, the biggest rivalry is Arsenal against City,” he explained. The two clubs have faced off in both domestic and European competitions this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently vying for the title against Guardiola’s men.
Arsenal recently surged to the top of the Premier League table with only two games remaining, while City maintains pressure with a game in hand. “There’s so much rivalry there,” Dickov continued, citing the shared history between Guardiola and Arteta, as well as former players who have played for both sides.
Despite identifying Arsenal as City’s primary rivals, Dickov also anticipates a resurgence from Liverpool in the upcoming season, suggesting that the Premier League title race could become even more competitive. “Liverpool are going to be stronger next season without a shadow of a doubt,” he said, further stating that Manchester United and Chelsea are also expected to improve significantly. This sets the scene for what Dickov believes could be one of the most challenging Premier League seasons in years.
The approaching season promises to be a thrilling contest, with traditional powers poised to reclaim their status, reminding fans just how unpredictable and fiercely competitive English football can truly be.
