Johnny Phillips: Challengers required to step up to dominant Man City
The ultimate failure of a serious rival to Manchester City’s predictable march to the title should not take the gloss off a captivating season.
City’s total dominance is becoming a problem – they have won five of the last six titles and in only two of those seasons did they face competition that lasted the pace.
But looking beyond the supremacy of Pep Guardiola’s near-invincible team there was enough about the 2022/23 season to herald it an engaging if not vintage campaign.
Arsenal will be hurting after finishing the season so poorly, but Mikel Arteta deserves the plaudits for moulding the Gunners into a serious team who should be capable of challenging again.
There was so much to admire about Arsenal, and a bit more squad depth might have made the difference in the final run-in.
Critics will nod to the eight-point lead in January that was surrendered, but it was no disgrace to be pipped by an Erling Haaland-inspired City.
Eddie Howe continues to impress in management and Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League has caused great excitement among the club’s support.
It is tangible reward for an impressive season, particularly in defence, which proved to be the foundation of the success.
Roberto De Zerbi’s debut season in the Premier League was brilliant.
