Stephen Warnock: Guehi and Semenyo signings will boost Man City’s title hopes

Former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock has told NewBettingSites.uk that he believes the singings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi were great pieces of business by Manchester City, which could push them towards pipping Arsenal to the Premier League title.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Warnock said: “Manchester City have made two very good signings in January, bringing in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. They’ve brought more goals into the team and solidified their defence. It’s great business.

“Guehi will be walking into the changing room thinking that he can make a real difference, given City’s recent struggles at the back. I’m sure Pep Guardiola will be telling him that he can make a difference too, which will help them close the gap to Arsenal and go on to win the Premier League title.

“I wouldn’t put it past Man City to do so, because of the quality they have in the squad. The main thing they have over Arsenal is goals. People talk about Arsenal’s lack of threat from open play and them needing a striker who scores 20 goals a season; City have Erling Haaland. He has been in incredible form this season, even if he hasn’t been at his best in the past couple of games. When you have a player like him in your team, you’ve got every chance.”

Arsenal clear favourites for title

Warnock believes Arsenal are still the clear favourites to win the Premier League because of the lead they currently hold, but warned that Manchester City remain a threat.

“I still make Arsenal clear favourites for the Premier League title,” said Warnock. “It’ll be interesting to see how Marc Guehi settles in at Manchester City and how solid that makes them. No disrespect to Max Alleyne, but Guehi has a lot more experience and leadership qualities which will strengthen City dramatically.

“Even so, Arsenal have so many game changers and I can’t see past them at the moment. Their squad is the best in the Premier League and you need a big, high-quality squad to win the league.

“However, in the past few weeks City have dropped points and they’ve had opportunities to really pull away which they haven’t taken. That feeling of desperation to extend their lead could start to affect the players’ mindsets, meaning they play with a bit of tension and less freedom.

“If City catch up three or four points in the next couple of games, that could cause a shift in the two teams’ mindsets. Doubt could begin to creep in at Arsenal and play on their minds.

“Arsenal are favourites because of their current lead, but City’s mentality will be completely different. They can play with a bit more freedom because people are expecting Arsenal to win the league now.”

Farke deserves credit for Leeds’ improvement

Looking at one of his former clubs at the other end of the Premier League table, Warnock has been impressed with Leeds’ recent form which has seen the Yorkshire club move clear of the relegation zone.

“I have been immensely impressed with Leeds,” he said. “A lot of credit has to go to Daniel Farke for understanding that his preferred system wasn’t working and changing it. He knew he needed to change something and he was aware it was probably his last chance to turn things around, but it has worked wonders.

“The performance they put in against Manchester City really kicked things off. The fans were calling for Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James to start and he gave them that, then took them off at half-time when it wasn’t going to plan. He was almost saying to the fans, ‘I’ve given you what you wanted and it hasn’t worked, let’s see what I can do’.

“He switched to a back three and saw instant results, which might have taken him by surprise. Now they look solid defensively and at the other end of the pitch they’re creating opportunities in every game. The balance they have now is incredible.”