Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly backed Arsenal as one of the leading teams in the race for the Premier League title, with the Gunners entering the campaign as defending champions under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal ended their long wait for the Premier League trophy last season and are now attempting to achieve something they have not managed since 1935: successfully defend the league title. Current pre-season projections have placed Arsenal among the leading contenders, with Opta’s model giving them the highest projected chance of retaining the championship.
Ferguson, one of the most successful managers in Premier League history, has extensive experience of competing against Arsenal during his Manchester United career. His rivalry with the North London club was one of the defining features of English football during the Premier League era.
Arsenal Enter Season as Champions
Arsenal’s position at the top of the title conversation comes after an impressive campaign under Arteta. The Gunners have gradually developed into one of the most consistent teams in English football, with Arteta building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Their defensive organisation, midfield quality and attacking options have made them a difficult side to face. The club has also strengthened its squad during the transfer window, adding further quality as it prepares to defend the championship.
Ferguson’s reported assessment would therefore reflect a broader view that Arsenal have the stability required to challenge for another title.
Arteta Faces a Different Challenge
Winning the Premier League is difficult, but defending it can be even more challenging. Arsenal will now face the pressure that comes with being champions, with every opponent looking to take points from them.
Only three managers have previously won consecutive Premier League titles: Ferguson with Manchester United, José Mourinho with Chelsea and Pep Guardiola with Manchester City.
That history demonstrates the difficulty of achieving back-to-back success.
Arteta will therefore need his players to remain consistent throughout a long season. Injuries, fixture congestion and competition from Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea could all influence the title race.
Arsenal Have Strong Competition
Although Arsenal are being described as favourites, the title race remains open. Manchester City remain a major contender, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also expected to compete near the top of the table.
The changing managerial landscape could make the campaign particularly unpredictable. Several major clubs began the 2026–27 season with new managers, while Arsenal retained Arteta and the continuity of their existing project. The Premier League itself highlighted this contrast when previewing the new campaign.
That continuity could be important over the course of a 38-match season.
Ferguson’s Experience
Ferguson’s opinion carries particular historical significance because of his own success in the Premier League. During his Manchester United career, he won the competition 13 times, including several occasions when United competed directly with Arsenal for the championship.
He also experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to maintain consistency when competing for the title.
For Arsenal, the challenge now is to turn their status as favourites into another successful campaign. Being favourites before a season begins does not guarantee the trophy, but it does underline the expectations surrounding Arteta’s team.
The Gunners will be hoping their experience from last season can help them handle the pressure and remain competitive throughout the campaign.
With Arsenal already established as the defending champions and widely projected among the leading contenders, attention will now turn to whether Arteta’s side can maintain their level and successfully defend the Premier League crown.
