Paul Scholes has delivered a firm verdict on the Premier League title race, suggesting Arsenal’s challenge has effectively run its course and backing Manchester City to assert their dominance in the upcoming showdown between the two sides.
Arsenal’s grip on top spot has weakened in recent weeks, with what once looked like a commanding advantage now under serious threat.
A costly home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend allowed City to close the gap significantly, with Pep Guardiola’s team seizing the opportunity at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Momentum, often decisive in title races, appears to have swung firmly in City’s favour just as the season approaches its climax.
City’s recent performances have only reinforced that perception. Their emphatic display against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge showcased both attacking ruthlessness and growing confidence.
Goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku in a dominant second half underlined their ability to overwhelm opponents when it matters most.
For Arsenal, watching their rivals surge at this stage will only increase the pressure as they attempt to steady themselves.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side have begun to show signs of strain. The intensity of a title run-in, combined with heightened expectations, appears to be taking its toll.
Their record against fellow top teams offers little reassurance ahead of a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium — a ground where they have not tasted victory in nearly a decade.
The timing could hardly be worse, with confidence fragile and scrutiny intensifying.
Momentum with Manchester City
Scholes believes the shift in momentum is decisive and sees little indication that Arsenal can reverse the trend.
Speaking candidly, he made it clear that he expects City to come out on top when the sides meet.
“I just think Arsenal have gone, me,” he told  The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast
“I just think all the momentum is with City. At some point, you have to beat your rivals. I’ve not seen them do it, they don’t win big games.”
His assessment reflects a broader concern about Arsenal’s ability to deliver in defining moments.
Title races are often shaped by head-to-head encounters among contenders, and Scholes’ criticism centres on what he perceives as a failure to rise to those occasions.
With City’s experience and proven track record under Guardiola, the contrast between the two teams becomes even more pronounced.
Before turning their full attention to City, Arsenal must first navigate a challenging European fixture against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
That match carries its own significance, but it also adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding schedule.
Questions over Arsenal’s mentality
Scholes’ views were echoed by his former Manchester United teammate Nicky Butt, who suggested Arsenal may be struggling with the psychological burden that comes with chasing a first league title in years.
According to Butt, the mental challenge of getting over the line can be overwhelming for players who have yet to experience that success.
“Until you’ve won it, or got over that hurdle, it is an absolute nightmare,” he said.
“You’re just thinking that you’re going to let them down again, and you can see that now with Arsenal and City, especially with Pep in charge, the amount of times he’s won the title.”
Manchester City, with multiple titles secured under Guardiola, possess a level of composure that can prove decisive when margins are tight.
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Arsenal, on the other hand, are still attempting to prove they can sustain a challenge all the way to the finish.
Another former United captain, Roy Keane, focused on the role of leadership within the Arsenal squad.
He pointed to key figures such as Declan Rice as players who must step forward during difficult moments.
He said: “Rice has to show more leadership skills. That was a nervous performance. It’s okay being nervous, it’s how you deal with it.
“When a team is pressing you – and Bournemouth really were – when it goes back to the goalkeeper and you’re showing for it, don’t; you’ve got a big target man.
“Don’t complicate it, especially if you’re nervous. I’d rather be nervous up the field than giving the ball away cheaply in our own half.”
