Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has thrown a major doubt over Arsenal's ability to win the Premier League this season, predicting the Gunners will once again fall short in the title race.
Gunners' Strong Start Fails to Convince United Icon
Mikel Arteta's side have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign, sitting pretty at the top of the table with an early four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. From their opening 11 league matches, Arsenal have secured eight victories and suffered just one defeat.
While their attack has been productive with 20 goals scored, their defensive solidity has been particularly noteworthy. The Gunners have conceded only five Premier League goals so far this season, making them the division's tightest defence.
History of Near-Misses Haunts Arsenal
Despite their current form, Yorke remains unconvinced that Arsenal can break their long-running title drought. The club hasn't lifted the Premier League trophy since 2004 and has finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons.
'I just think Arsenal will do what Arsenal do again,' Yorke told Snabbare. 'I have a funny feeling that somehow they won't get it over the line.'
The United legend suggested that competing on multiple fronts could impact Arsenal's challenge, noting: 'It depends on the competitions they are in too. I'm sure Mikel Arteta is going to prioritise everything. He's trying to win it all but you've got to win your domestic league.'
Manchester City Tipped for Title Glory
With defending champions Liverpool experiencing difficulties, Yorke believes Manchester City's experience will ultimately prove decisive in the title race.
'It could get pretty chaotic,' he said. 'I think Man City just have that know-how.'
Ironically, City manager Pep Guardiola had previously talked up Arsenal's title credentials earlier in November, before Arteta's side dropped points in a 2-2 draw at Sunderland.
Guardiola acknowledged Arsenal's impressive form, stating: 'If they continue this way—they play games, they don't concede goals, not even clear chances, and they win and win—oh my God, it will be almost impossible [to catch Arsenal].'
However, he crucially added that 'early November nobody wins the title. You can lose it, but nobody wins the title.'
Since those comments, the landscape has shifted slightly. Manchester City hammered Liverpool 3-0 following Arsenal's slip at the Stadium of Light, tightening the race at the top.
The title battle faces immediate tests this weekend, with City travelling to Newcastle on Saturday evening hoping to reduce Arsenal's lead to just one point. The Gunners then host Tottenham on Sunday in what promises to be a fiery north London derby that could significantly impact the early title narrative.
