Arsenal gunning to end City dominance, Man United and Liverpool begin new eras

MANCHESTER, England : As they hunt for an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title, a quiet close season in the transfer market has given Manchester City's rivals hope, with Arsenal looking to make that final step and two English giants beginning new eras.

To better Pep Guardiola's City, you have to be near perfect and that is exactly what Arsenal were last term. Only 2003-04, when the 'Invincibles' went unbeaten en route to the title did the Gunners amass more points in a single Premier League season.

Although it was still not enough, two campaigns finishing second to City shows the progress Arsenal are making under coach Mikel Arteta.

The signing of Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who could fill the problematic left-back position, boosts their chances of going all the way this time around as the new Premier League season kicks off next weekend.

The question is how long City can sustain their excellence for.

Normally not afraid to splash out in the transfer market, 20-year-old winger Savinho is their only major signing of the transfer window. One win from four pre-season friendlies on their tour of the United States also suggests there is plenty of work still to be done.

There is also the distraction of Premier League charges over alleged breaches of financial rules during the ownership of billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan still looming over them. City deny any wrongdoing and are contesting the charges.

POSITIVE START

Liverpool have been similarly quiet in the transfer market as they look get life without Jurgen Klopp in the managerial hotseat off to a positive start.

Dutchman Arne Slot is the man tasked with succeeding Klopp after the German's trophy-laden nine years at Anfield, but he is yet