Arsenal have been backed to retain the Premier League title after Gary Neville questioned whether Liverpool and Manchester City possess the quality required to challenge Mikel Arteta’s side.
The defending champions opened their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Coventry City, while their expected rivals experienced more complicated starts.
Manchester City needed a late winner to beat Bournemouth 2-1, while Liverpool rescued a 2-2 draw against Newcastle.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville suggested those performances reinforced his belief that Arsenal are already the team to beat.
“Arsenal should win this league by a street,” Neville said, according to Sky Sports.
SETTING THE STANDARD. pic.twitter.com/bmwO0aMzjO
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 21, 2026
Arsenal title race prediction follows dominant opening win
Arsenal’s convincing start followed another impressive performance against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Arteta’s side beat City 3-0 to lift the trophy before beginning their title defence with an identical scoreline against Coventry.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard scored at the Emirates Stadium, while Christos Tzolis impressed during Arsenal’s opening-night victory.
Neville argued that Liverpool and City remain below the standards they established during previous Premier League title battles.
He described both clubs as “nowhere near that standard” before making his confidence in Arsenal particularly clear.
“It’s the most sure I’ve ever been,” he added.
Chelsea identified as Arsenal’s closest challengers
Neville suggested Chelsea could provide the strongest competition, pointing to their squad and reduced schedule without European football.
“Chelsea will finish second,” he predicted before their opening fixture.
Xabi Alonso’s side subsequently beat Fulham 3-2 on Monday night, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scoring at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal will next face Aston Villa on Monday, 31 August, with Arteta hoping several players can return before the trip.
Bruno Guimaraes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain under assessment ahead of the fixture.
Supporters can also find full television and kick-off information in our Aston Villa vs Arsenal viewing guide.
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