Wayne Rooney has come out firmly in favour of Arsenal claiming the Premier League title this season, predicting that the Gunners will win every one of their remaining matches and that Manchester City will drop points before the campaign concludes.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, the Manchester United legend outlined his reasoning after Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday. The result extended their lead over City to six points, though Pep Guardiola’s side retain two games in hand and could close the gap to three points with victory against Everton on Monday.
“I think Arsenal will win it. I felt this after Man City beat Arsenal as well,” Rooney said. “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. I think the fixtures are more favourable for Arsenal. I think they’ll win every game.”
Rooney elaborated on why he expects City to falter: “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. City, with the games they’ve got, it’s congested. Arsenal have been there all season; I think it’s their year.”
Arsenal’s final three fixtures are against West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace — a run widely regarded as more manageable than City’s schedule. Rooney pointed to that fixture congestion as a potential stumbling block for the defending champions.
The confidence from Rooney is notable given the turbulence Arsenal experienced last month. Arteta’s side suffered back-to-back defeats — to Bournemouth and then to City — results that led many observers to question whether their title challenge had effectively ended. Rooney, however, maintained his belief in the North London club throughout that difficult spell.
Arsenal have been consistent contenders over recent seasons without ultimately securing the title, finishing second in both 2022/23 and 2023/24. Should they hold on this campaign, it would be their first top-flight championship since the 2003/04 Invincibles season under Arsène Wenger — a wait of over two decades.
Manager Mikel Arteta also addressed his own decisions following the Fulham victory, with reports suggesting he acknowledged he should have introduced certain players earlier in recent matches. The Spaniard has guided Arsenal to the summit for much of the season, and with three winnable games remaining, the title is firmly within their grasp.
City, meanwhile, face a demanding schedule that includes games against Everton, as well as other fixtures in their run-in. Whether Guardiola’s squad can maintain the consistency required to overhaul Arsenal — or whether Rooney’s prediction of a slip proves correct — will determine one of the most closely contested title races in recent Premier League history.
