Micah Richards, a Manchester City star, has identified “problems” that he anticipates Liverpool and Arsenal to encounter in the Premier League title chase.

This season’s Premier League title competition is shaping up nicely after only Manchester City and Arsenal launched a credible assault in 2022/23.

Man City had a slow start to the season, but they are now gaining momentum, as they typically do at this point in the season.

Man City are third in the table, just two points behind table-toppers Liverpool, who visit Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.

Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal have all dropped points in recent weeks, cementing Man City’s position as the favorite to win the Premier League again.

Richards believes Man City will “put that run together” and pull away from their Premier League championship opponents.

“[Man City] have fallen short of the expectations they set in previous seasons,” Richards remarked on The Rest is Football podcast.

“But you know they’re going to put that together in five, ten, or fifteen games because of the quality of the players and the manager.” Don’t we all know it’s coming? That is the issue.

“It is very difficult to criticise them until it gets to March and April and they mathematically can’t win the league.”

“The big question mark is Salah going to the Africa Cup of Nations,” Richards continued. Can they bridge the gap? I believe they can.

“They won a lot of games the last time Salah went.” They can cross the finish line without him. Jota always scores when he plays, and Diaz appears to be back in form.”

Richards believes it is “imperative” for Arsenal to acquire a new striker this month.

“The only issue with Arsenal is that you have Saka, Martinelli, and Jesus, who affects the play by being involved in the game and working extremely hard, but he is not a true goalscorer.” So you need to bring in a striker,” Richards continued.

“If I were Arsenal right now, I’d go out and buy a striker.” It is required.

“Last season, Saliba was injured for parts of the season, and the difference between Man City and Arsenal is that City can lose Haaland and De Bruyne and still maintain their lead.” Arsenal should have kicked on, and the reason they haven’t is because they don’t have a potent striker.”