Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
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Former Aston Villa striker and TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has delivered a sobering forecast for Arsenal start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, predicting that Mikel Arteta’s side will collect just seven points from their opening six matches.
With the fixture list for the new season unveiled earlier today, Agbonlahor dissected the Gunners’ early schedule during a segment onTalkSPORT, anticipating a difficult run that could see Arsenal drop points in key matches and face mounting pressure in the opening weeks.
Arsenal kick off their campaign on August 16 with a high-profile clash at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Despite United’s recent struggles, Agbonlahor expects a tightly contested affair.
“Arsenal’s first game at Manchester United, I’ve gone for a draw,” he said. “A trip to Old Trafford is never easy, regardless of United’s recent history.”
The Gunners then visit newly promoted Leeds United, and Agbonlahor believes they will return to winning ways.
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“Leeds away, I’ve gone for a win for Arsenal,” he predicted, citing the London side’s depth and quality as the deciding factors.
However, Arsenal’s third match sees them travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on September 6, a fixture Agbonlahor sees ending in defeat.
Gabby Agbonlahor predicts a horrible start to the season for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
5 points from a possible 15
7 points from a possible 18 pic.twitter.com/kLR8OCG7mQ
— Kyama ⚽ (@ElijahKyama_) June 18, 2025
“Liverpool away, I’ve gone for a loss,” he stated, referencing the Reds’ strength at home and the energy under their new manager.
Returning to the Emirates in search of stability, Arsenal face Nottingham Forest in their fourth game. Agbonlahor expects a narrow home victory: “Forest at home, a win for Arsenal, but it’ll be a narrow one,” he predicted.
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The toughest test, however, comes on September 20, when the Gunners welcome reigning champions Manchester City. Agbonlahor was blunt in his assessment: “Man City at home, a loss,” he declared. “Pep Guardiola will be hoping I’m proven right, and a victory against Arsenal would send a message to the rest of the league.”
Agbonlahor summed up his prediction with a bleak outlook for the North London side: “That’s seven points from a possible 18. That wouldn’t be a great start for them.”
His projection of two wins, one draw, and three losses hints at a stuttering start for Arsenal, who are under pressure to convert their recent near-misses into a Premier League title after three consecutive second-place finishes.
Arsenal are expected to strengthen their squad before the season begins. A £55 million deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly close to completion, pending compliance with Financial Fair Play rules in July. Meanwhile, their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko continues as the club looks to add more firepower to Arteta’s attack.
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