Arsène Wenger has backed Arsenal to come out on top in the Premier League title race, despite their recent setback against Manchester City, insisting the outcome of the season is far from settled.
The north London side suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in what many viewed as a decisive clash between the top two.
It marked a second consecutive league loss for Mikel Arteta’s team — their first such run this campaign — and has significantly tightened the race at the summit.
While Arsenal remain three points clear, they have played one game more than their closest challengers, leaving the door open for City to seize control.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who have only briefly occupied top spot this season, now hold their fate in their own hands.
Victory in their game in hand against Burnley would see them climb above Arsenal, and a flawless finish across their remaining fixtures could secure yet another title, even if Arsenal respond with a perfect run of their own.
Yet Wenger, who last guided Arsenal to league glory in their famous unbeaten 2004 season, does not believe City will maintain that level of consistency through to the end.
Speaking about the title race, he expressed confidence in his former club’s ability to recover and finish strongly.
“I believe that Arsenal will win the league,” Wenger said (as per First Post). “I deeply believe. It looks, to me, like common sense. I like Eze, Odegaard, Havertz and Madueke attacking (intent at the Etihad). Manchester City will not make the perfect run-in.”
Arsenal’s challenge remains alive
Arsenal’s defeat at Manchester City may have shifted momentum, but it has not ended their hopes.
Arteta’s side have spent much of the season at the top of the table and remain within reach of a long-awaited triumph.
The club has not lifted the Premier League trophy in 22 years, a stark contrast to City’s dominance over the same period, having claimed the title eight times — including six in the last eight seasons.
Despite that disparity in recent success, Wenger believes Arsenal’s attacking approach and overall structure still give them an edge.
Even in defeat at the Etihad, there were moments of promise that suggested the Gunners can compete with the Sky Blues.
They return to action at home against Newcastle United, where a positive result could restore belief and steady their campaign.
From there, they face a sequence of fixtures that, on paper, appear manageable but will demand consistency and composure.
Matches against Fulham and West Ham United follow, before a home encounter with Burnley and a final-day trip to Crystal Palace.
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Each game carries significant weight, particularly given the slim margins at the top of the table. Any further slip-ups could prove costly, especially with City applying pressure from just behind.
City’s pursuit and a demanding run-in
While Manchester City are well-versed in navigating title run-ins, their remaining schedule may present challenges.
Guardiola’s side begin with a crucial visit to Burnley, knowing that a win would put them in pole position.
However, the fixtures that follow are far from straightforward. An away trip to Everton is next, followed by a home match against Brentford.
They then travel to face Bournemouth, a team currently in strong form and one that recently defeated Arsenal — a result that underlines their potential to disrupt the title race.
City’s final two matches see them host Crystal Palace before concluding the season against Aston Villa. Although they have the depth and experience to handle such tests, the margin for error is minimal, particularly if Arsenal rediscover their rhythm.
