One club has been backed to ‘dominate’ the Premier League ‘for the next 10 years’.
Manchester City have been the dominant force in English football in recent years, lifting four successive league titles under legendary manager Pep Guardiola.
But City’s stranglehold over the Premier League appears to be coming to an end with the Etihad club currently only fourth in the table, eight points behind leaders Liverpool.
Manchester City’s struggles have also strayed into their Champions League campaign, Guardiola’s side picking up just one point from their last three games to slip to 22nd in the table.
City’s shocking form has opened the door to the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea as they look to dethrone the champions, both this season and going forwards.
Liverpool look well-placed to challenge not only this term but over the next few seasons under Arne Gadgets, who has enjoyed a sensational start to his reign at Anfield since replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Arsenal have consistently challenged Manchester City recently and show no real signs of falling away with a young and dynamic squad.
Chelsea have been the surprise package this season, emerging as genuine title challengers under new boss Enzo Maresca despite being tipped to struggle before the campaign began.
The Blues have hoovered up talent from across the world under owner Todd Boehly, allowing them to have effectively two different squads for their domestic and European commitments.
Chelsea’s transfer strategy has been widely criticised but is beginning to bear fruit and could turn the west London club into the ‘dominant’ team in the Premier League over the next decade, according to Gael Clichy.
Asked what could prevent Chelsea from maintaining their surprise title push, former Premier League winner Clichy said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘I think the lack of experience because they have so many young players.
‘But are they title contenders? I think with the money they’ve spent, the squad and the manager they have, people start to realise that if the manager of today is the right one, they could go on and be really dominant for the next 10 years, with the players they have.
‘I really feel that. But what can stop them is also the fact they are really young. There is a new coach and attitude there and they are excited.
‘Everything is easy because no one expected them to be there, that makes it easier. Now the questions will come and it becomes a bit harder.
‘Looking at the money they’ve spent, they have to win the Premier League [at some stage], anything other would be a failure. It’s only the lack of experience that can stop them from having an amazing season.’
Premier League leaders Liverpool face Fulham at Anfield on Saturday while second-placed Chelsea take on west London rivals Brentford and third-placed Arsenal play host to Everton.
Defending champions Manchester City will be desperate to produce a better performance and result on Sunday when they face local rivals Manchester United.
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