At a Glance
Arsene Wenger backs Arsenal despite Man City defeat.
Frenchman insists title race remains open.
Comments offer boost for Mikel Arteta.
Belief grows around Arsenal’s title push.
Mikel Arteta will take encouragement from Arsene Wenger’s latest verdict on Arsenal.
Despite defeat to Manchester City, the former manager has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League, offering a clear and confident assessment of their title credentials. At a moment where pressure could easily shift, Wenger instead reinforced belief.
That matters.
Because title races rarely hinge on single results; they depend on response, mentality and conviction. Wenger believes Arsenal still hold all three.
Arsene Wenger Arsenal verdict boosts Mikel Arteta
“I believe that Arsenal will win the league. I deeply believe.”
Wenger did not soften his stance after the Etihad result.
Instead, he doubled down, pointing to Arsenal’s overall level rather than one outcome. He described their position as “commonsense” and highlighted the attacking quality available to Arteta.
Eberechi Eze, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke all featured in his thinking, with Wenger praising the intent they showed in a high-pressure environment.
That attacking intent stands out.
Because Arsenal did not retreat; they continued to play forward, even against a direct rival. Consequently, Wenger sees a team that remains aligned with its identity.
“I believe that Arsenal will win the league. I deeply believe. It looks, to me, like commonsense. I like Eze, Odegaard, Havertz and Madueke attacking (intent at the Etihad). Manchester City will not make the perfect run-in.” Arsene Wenger @ProjectTwinning pic.twitter.com/aC14M5JZVi
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 20, 2026
Arsenal vs Manchester City title race remains open
However, Wenger also turned his focus toward Manchester City.
“Manchester City will not make the perfect run-in.”
That line shifts the narrative.
City have dominated recent title races through consistency, but Wenger does not expect that standard to hold across the final stretch. Small drops in performance or moments of fatigue could create openings.
Therefore, Arsenal’s defeat does not define the race.
Instead, it resets the pressure across both teams, keeping the margin tight and the outcome uncertain.
Arsenal belief key for Arteta moving forward
As a result, Wenger’s comments arrive at the perfect time for Arteta.
Arsenal need belief more than anything else right now. The structure remains strong, the performances remain competitive, and the squad continues to show resilience in key moments.
Importantly, that mentality separates challengers from champions.
Arteta will recognise that his side still control their response. They can dictate how this title race unfolds through their performances in the coming weeks.
Wenger’s verdict reinforces that point.
Ultimately, Wenger’s words do not guarantee success.
However, they reflect something far more important.
Arsenal still believe.
And for Arteta, that may matter more than anything else.