If it was an article taking an all-encompassing look at the chase for 4th spot, rather than purely a focus on City and Arsenal, Everton would get a serious mention, although I personally believe their squad depth would prevent them from finishing 4th or higher, a la Villa last season. It could be said that they possess a more talented squad than City across the pitch currently, what with the likes of Jagielka and Lescott at the back, along with Cahill and a fit Arteta in the centre of midfield, but City’s strength in numbers will probably overwhelm them before too long. The fact that Moyes has kept them competitive on a comparatively shoestring budget is a testament to his managerial abilities and the talent throughout the team, but you just get the impression they could be left behind amidst the money City have and will throw around.

Villa and Spurs would also get a look in, given Villa’s run last season, although I feel their plight is the same as Everton’s, while Spurs need one or two more key names to come in before they can sustain a serious challenge for Europe via the league. A striker who has 25 goals a season in him, be he from the current crop or a new signing, along with a well-rounded central midfielder, and Spurs could get close.

I agree City will become a threat but it will take time, I wrote about this on wednesday:

http://wedontknowfootball.com/2009/07/22/are-you-threatening-me/

The table will go as follows:
Arsenal (only if they sign a defensive midfielder though)
Chelsea
Man U
Liverpool
Tottenham
Man City

I would think a mention towards everton would be appropriate considering they finished 5th two seasons in a row. They recently secured Jo again on loan which will help things quite a bit. If arteta comes back healthy they should be right back to challenging at the cusp of the big 4. I totally agree Man City, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are all worthy contenders for breaking into the top, but I feel the 5th place team…mostly unchanged…from the past 2 seasons deserves a mention.

As for Arsenal. I think Wenger would be best off to develop his young attacking talents of Eduardo, Vela, and Walcott to supplement Bentdner and Van Persie, while bringing reinforcements to the midfield and defense. They miss a gritty midfielder like Gilberto or Flamini and they need to find someone to take over that role.

the other top 4 have weakened this summer but i think arsenal will still be the ones looking behind their shoulders.

i think now ade is gone, hes got a point to prove with city – the transfer may come back and bite arsenal..

How one we could write off arsenal