The Premier League title race is heating up. Arsenal sit at the top, with Manchester City chasing hard. But former player Joleon Lescott has given a strong opinion. He says Aston Villa, who are third, are not real contenders. This puts Arsenal and City on alert.
Lescott’s Bold Claim
Joleon Lescott knows football well. He played for Manchester City and won titles there. He also spent time at Aston Villa. Now, as a pundit, he shared his views on a show called “In The Mixer.” Lescott said he never saw Villa as true challengers for the Premier League crown. “I was never really convinced Villa were genuine contenders for the title,” he explained.
Villa have had a great season under boss Unai Emery. They’re just behind Arsenal and City in the standings. But Lescott thinks they’re not built to last. This verdict is a wake-up call for the top two. If Villa fade, the race could be between just Arsenal and City.
Why Villa Fall Short
Lescott pointed to one big reason: squad depth. That’s how many good players a team has to cover injuries or tired legs. Villa have stars like Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz, but not enough backups. “I think they are limited in terms of squad depth,” Lescott said. In a long season with cups and Europe, that matters.
Compare to Arsenal and City. Both have deep benches. Arsenal can rotate players like Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice without dropping quality. Manchester City, even with some dips, have proven winners like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. Lescott believes only these two have what it takes to go the distance.
Villa started strong, but recent results show cracks. They lost points in games they should win. Lescott isn’t alone in this view. Other experts, like on ESPN FC, question if teams like Villa can keep up.
🗣️Joe Cole thinks the Premier League will be over if Liverpool beat City this weekend: “It would be the final nail in the coffin. This is a huge game. This is one of the first massive title run in games. The importance of winning this game is vital. If City don’t win this game, I… pic.twitter.com/VGnWKlngYE
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) February 6, 2026
Arsenal’s Title Charge
Arsenal are flying. They’ve answered doubts about their mentality. A few weeks ago, after a winless run, people wondered if they had the guts to win big. But wins against tough sides changed that. Now, they’re six points clear.
Boss Mikel Arteta has built a solid team. Their defense is tight, and attack is sharp. If Villa aren’t real threats, Arsenal’s path looks clearer. But they face big tests, like against Sunderland soon. Pep Guardiola even called Arsenal “the best team in the world” recently. That’s high praise from a rival.
Man City’s Fightback
Manchester City are behind, but never count them out. They have won the last few title race with late surges. Guardiola’s side has stumbled this season, with injuries and form issues. Rodri’s absence hurt them bad.
Still, experts like Michael Owen back Arsenal, but say City cannot be ignored. If City lose to Liverpool soon, Arsenal could pull further ahead. Lescott’s words mean City must step up, knowing Villa might not push them.
Manchester City are six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
They haven’t won a league game at Anfield since February 2021.
Next up… 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZdHcNIukCq
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 5, 2026
Other Teams in the Mix?
What about Liverpool or Chelsea? Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea named four teams that could challenge Arsenal: Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, and Man United. But stats from Opta give City the best chance at 85%, Arsenal at 10%. Villa aren’t even mentioned high.
The Road Ahead
This verdict shakes things up in this title race. Arsenal and City are on notice. The title might be theirs to lose if Villa drop off. Fans love the drama. Arsenal aim for their first title in years, City for more glory. With games like City vs. Liverpool coming, the race is wide open. But if Lescott is right, it’s a two-horse race. Keep watching – football never disappoints.
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