Underdogs or Favourites? Where Arsenal Stand in the Title Race | OneFootball

The 2025/26 season is about to start, and Arsenal face another campaign in which every result shapes their title chances. Momentum is gathering, the squad shows depth, and belief is growing that they can go further than before. Close rivals have changed their tone. The mindset within the club feels sharper. What remains is consistency through a long, demanding season.

Arsenal’s Form and Fixture Load

The pre-season has been encouraging, balancing solid defensive performances and sharper attacking play. Goals have been spread across the front line, while midfielders are contributing to crucial moments. That variety makes Arsenal less predictable and harder to contain.

The fixture list, however, will soon start to test the squad’s durability. The Premier League demands intensity every weekend, but Arsenal also face Champions League group stage commitments and domestic cup ties. This busy schedule can disrupt rhythm if not managed carefully.

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Arteta must find the balance between keeping his strongest players sharp and giving valuable minutes to squad members who can step in when needed. That includes rotating the back line in lower-profile fixtures and trusting younger players to handle specific league games. Consistency in training intensity, regardless of match importance, will help maintain high performance levels.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Defensive organisation remains a major asset. Last season’s record for clean sheets demonstrated the effectiveness of Arsenal’s structure without the ball. William Saliba’s reading of the game and Gabriel Magalhães’ physical presence give the team a reliable central pairing. Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko add flexibility from the full-back positions, supporting both defence and attack.

In midfield, Declan Rice continues to anchor play with composure, allowing Martin Ødegaard to focus on creating opportunities. Kai Havertz has shown improvement in his movement and finishing, offering another threat in the penalty area. However, the reliance on Bukayo Saka for width and creativity on the right can make Arsenal predictable if opponents shut him down.

Injuries are another concern. Losing key players for extended periods has been costly in previous seasons. Strengthening the bench with versatile options is essential to absorb such setbacks.

To build on strengths, Arsenal should work on increasing their scoring efficiency, something that the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres should help to address. Converting a higher percentage of chances, particularly away from home, could be the difference between drawing and winning tight matches. Improving set-piece delivery and rehearsing varied attacking routines would give the side additional ways to break down stubborn defences.

Competitor Watch

Liverpool begin this season as the bookmakers’ favourites. Their title-winning squad has been reinforced with exciting additions, and they possess a blend of youth and experience. Their pressing game remains relentless, and Arne Slot’s tactical approach has kept opponents guessing.

Chelsea have emerged as another strong challenger. A mix of seasoned leaders and emerging stars gives them depth across all positions. Their recruitment has focused on players who can adapt quickly to different systems, making them dangerous in attacking and defensive situations.

Manchester City, while still a threat, are adjusting after a season without major silverware. Questions linger about whether their refreshed squad can dominate as they once did. Tottenham and Newcastle could also cause problems for the top teams, especially in home fixtures where they enjoy strong support.

For Arsenal, the lesson is clear. Every match must be approached with the same level of preparation, regardless of the opponent’s status. Dropping points against mid-table sides can be as damaging as losing to direct rivals. The capacity to string together long winning runs, even when performance levels fluctuate, often separates champions from runners-up.

Can Arsenal Be Favourites or Are They Still Underdogs?

The debate around Arsenal’s status is unavoidable. Some see them as genuine contenders ready to match Liverpool and Chelsea stride for stride. Others believe they still need a breakthrough season to fully shed the underdog label.

Shifting perception will require Arsenal to excel in pressure situations. That means winning away at rival stadiums, securing victories in matches where they are not at their best, and avoiding consecutive defeats. The mental resilience to respond instantly after setbacks is often what keeps teams in the race deep into April and May.

One advantage Arsenal hold is squad harmony. The core group has been together for several seasons, with clear understanding of Arteta’s tactical demands. This stability allows them to make in-game adjustments more fluidly. Integrating new signings effectively will further strengthen their case as genuine favourites.

If Arsenal can maintain defensive reliability, improve goal conversion, and manage fitness levels through rotation, they may enter the final month of the season with the title still within reach.

Final Thoughts

The 2025/26 Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. Arsenal are well-positioned to challenge, but the presence of elite rivals means there will be little margin for error. The squad’s balance, tactical maturity, and competitive mindset offer reasons for optimism, yet each match will bring its own set of challenges.

Do you think Arsenal will lift the trophy this season? Share your predictions, discuss key fixtures, and keep the conversation alive as the campaign unfolds.