Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey believes Arsenal could struggle to maintain their recent dominance and has predicted the reigning champions will finish fourth in the Premier League next season.
Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a remarkable campaign, ending a 22-year wait for the league title and also reaching the finals of both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.
Their achievements established them as one of the strongest teams in Europe and appeared to signal the beginning of a new era at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Heskey has suggested that sustaining those standards could prove difficult over the course of another demanding season.
The former England international, speaking to Hajper and quoted by Metro, forecast a significant reshuffle among the Premier League’s leading clubs.
While Arsenal remain among the teams he expects to challenge near the top, he believes they will be overtaken by several rivals.
According to Heskey’s prediction, Manchester City will reclaim first place, followed by Manchester United in second and Liverpool in third.
Arsenal are expected to finish fourth, while Aston Villa and Newcastle United complete the top six positions.
If such a scenario were to unfold, it would leave Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur outside the Premier League’s top six once again, extending the frustrations of two clubs desperate to re-establish themselves among England’s elite.
City backed to thrive after Guardiola left the club
Heskey is convinced the Manchester City’s success will continue regardless of who occupies the dugout.
City have established themselves as the dominant force in English football over the past decade, collecting multiple league titles and maintaining exceptionally high standards both on and off the pitch.
Even after Guardiola left the Man City, Heskey believes the club’s structure, recruitment strategy and squad quality are strong enough to ensure continued success.
“Manchester City will be champions with or without Pep Guardiola,” Heskey said. “They look good now but they’re really going to come together as a team next season.”
The club has consistently refreshed its playing group while maintaining a style of football that has delivered trophies year after year.
Many teams have attempted to challenge City’s dominance in recent seasons, but few have managed to sustain a title challenge over the course of a full campaign. Heskey’s confidence suggests he sees little evidence that trend will change.
Liverpool tipped for recovery as battle intensifies
Heskey’s prediction may be influenced by Liverpool’s proven ability to rebound from setbacks.
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Only a short time ago, Liverpool were celebrating Premier League success after winning the title in the 2024-25 campaign.
Expectations remained high, but their form dipped considerably during the following season, resulting in a fifth-place finish that fell below the standards supporters had become accustomed to.
The former Liverpool striker believes his old club can put those struggles behind them and once again establish themselves among the division’s leading teams.
He added: “Top four I’ll say Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal. Then Aston Villa fifth and Newcastle United in sixth.”
A third-place finish would represent a strong response from Liverpool and could indicate that the club remains capable of competing near the top despite recent inconsistencies.
