Arsenal’s emphatic victory over Fulham has reignited belief that the Premier League title could finally be heading back to north London, and former England captain Wayne Rooney has now added his voice to that growing optimism.
Speaking in the aftermath of the Gunners’ composed 3-0 performance, Rooney suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side are not only favourites, but could finish the job with relative ease despite the looming threat of Manchester City.
The result at the Emirates Stadium ensured Arsenal maintained their grip at the summit, opening up a six-point lead over City.
While Pep Guardiola’s side still hold two games in hand and have the opportunity to narrow that gap when they travel to Everton, the pressure has subtly shifted.
Arsenal, once seen as vulnerable following a brief dip in form, have responded with authority at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Recent weeks had cast doubt over Arsenal’s staying power. Consecutive defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City raised familiar questions about their ability to handle the demands of a title race, particularly against a side as experienced and relentless as City.
For many observers, those results hinted at a possible unraveling. Yet Arsenal’s response has been composed rather than chaotic, controlled rather than reactive.
Rooney, however, insists his confidence in Arsenal never wavered — even during that difficult spell.
“I think Arsenal will win it,’ Rooney said on BBC’s Match of the Day as reported by Metro.co.uk
His belief appears rooted not just in Arsenal’s position in the table, but in the psychological resilience they have displayed.
The ability to remain level on points with City after a damaging defeat earlier in the season, he argues, speaks volumes about their maturity.
“I felt this after Man City beat Arsenal as well. I felt it was maybe in Arsenal’s heads having to go to Man City and losing in the cup final to them.
“But I think still being there, level on points after that City defeat, and I think the fixtures are more favourable for Arsenal. I think they’ll win every game.”
That run-in could indeed prove decisive. Arsenal’s remaining fixtures — against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace — appear manageable on paper, especially when compared to City’s more congested schedule.
City pressure and Arsenal belief shaping title race
While Arsenal’s destiny appears increasingly in their own hands, Rooney’s prediction hinges equally on the possibility of Manchester City faltering.
It is a bold claim given City’s track record in the closing stages of a season, where they have often strung together winning runs with ruthless efficiency.
Yet Rooney believes the demands of their schedule could open the door.
“And I could see City slipping up in one or two games.
“I could see Arsenal actually being quite comfortable, I think maybe three, five points.”
- Predicted Man City line-up vs Everton: Foden, Savinho set to miss out
- Pep Guardiola to leave Man City, ‘best Manager in the world’ to replace him
Such a margin would represent a significant statement in a race many expected to go down to the wire.
City’s pursuit of multiple trophies has stretched their resources, and although their squad depth is unmatched, even the most dominant teams can be affected by fixture congestion at a decisive point in the season.
Rooney elaborated further when asked why he expects Guardiola’s side to drop points.
“I just do. Listen, Arsenal have been fantastic, they’ve been top of the league for most of the season.
“I just think Arsenal have got a way of playing which doesn’t catch everyone’s eye.
“But I just think City, with the games they’ve got, it’s congested, Arsenal have been there all season, I think it’s their year.”
