Former England striker Peter Crouch has declared Arsenal the "best team in the Premier League" and the favourites to retain the title in the 2026/27 season. Speaking on the That Peter Crouch Podcast, Crouch predicted a top four of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea, while expressing doubts over Liverpool's title credentials.
Arsenal's Title Credentials
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for a league title last season, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City. The Gunners clinched the crown with a game to spare, sparking celebrations across north London. However, their hopes of a double were dashed six days later when PSG defeated them in the Champions League final.
Crouch, who played for Liverpool and Tottenham, believes Mikel Arteta's side will use that European disappointment as motivation. "He [Arteta] delivered and they got to a Champions League final. I'm going to go with Arsenal," Crouch said. He added, "It's an interesting season this one but I think Arsenal are the best team in the league."
Top Four Predictions and United's Improvement
Crouch's predicted top four leaves out Liverpool and Tottenham. "I'm going to go for Arsenal to win it, City second, Manchester United third and Chelsea," he stated. On United, he noted, "I don't want them to win the league but I think they have improved. Is it different now Michael Carrick has got the job full-time? We'll see."
Doubts Over Liverpool
Having attended Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Wrexham, Crouch is unconvinced his former club can challenge. "There were a lot of players missing, they played a lot of the youngsters," he explained. "[Lewis] Koumas looked sharp, Trey Nyoni looks like a good player. Not a lot others played, [Dominik] Szoboszlai played. I'm not sure on Liverpool. I think the manager is great, I just don't know if the squad is there after losing the players that they've lost in the last couple of seasons. It's hurt them. Have they been replaced? I'm not so sure."
Crouch also highlighted the potential impact of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, noting, "It'll be interesting to see Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike when they come back. I know Isak scored against Monaco, it'll be interesting to see how they go. I don't think they can win the league this year." He added, "I think they've got a great manager in charge and a couple of windows, they'll be challenging again."
Golden Boot Prediction
Crouch also tipped Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot, saying, "[Erling] Haaland gets another 30 goals. He's a machine."
Arsenal begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City in nine days' time, but first face Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff, where new £75million signing Bruno Guimaraes could make his debut.
