Arsenal’s draw against Sunderland and Manchester City’s 3-0 win against Liverpool mean there are four points separating the top two heading into the international break.
Speaking on his BBC podcast (quotes via the Metro), former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney said that he is still backing the Gunners to finish top of the table:
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“I know Arsenal dropped points at the weekend but you look at their form overall and the way Man City are coming into a great run, it will be difficult for Liverpool.”
“But it’s still early on the season so you never know. I just think Arsenal and Man City are the two favourites now.”
“Arsenal will be a little bit nervous about Man City coming up but I think it will be one of them two. I still probably edge towards Arsenal. I have Arsenal as slight favourites.”
The title race won’t be won in November
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will know that there are plenty of twists and turns left in the title race, but the weekend’s results do provide another reminder about how precarious a lead can be at the top.
No Gunners fan needs reminding about what happened during the 2022/23 season when they had an eight-point gap at one stage.
Whether this City team is as good as the one Arteta’s men faced three years ago, it is up for debate, but it will be a challenge to stay ahead of their rivals in the table between now and May.
Arsenal remain favourites at the bookies
The Gunners are odds-on to finish in 1st place, with most betting firms pricing them between 4/6 and 8/13.
City, meanwhile, have seen their odds shorten to between 2/1 and 9/4, while Liverpool’s humbling defeat at the Etihad Stadium has led to their price stretching out to 10/1.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here