Wayne Rooney says Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League again, and that they could even pull away from the pack. The former Manchester United forward pointed to a title-winning base built on 85 points, 26 wins and only 27 league goals conceded in 2025-26, then backed that up by saying the champions begin their defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night.
Rooney's case for Arsenal
"Arsenal have the potential to run away with it but behind them we could see a lot of changes," Rooney told metro.co.uk. He was even clearer on the main point, saying: "I think Arsenal are the favourites to win it but can United nick second off Manchester City and start to build again and maybe challenge for the title next season?"
That is a strong vote of confidence, and it is rooted in more than reputation. Arsenal won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, finished 2025-26 with 85 points, and conceded only 27 league goals. They also beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on 16 August 2026, which is early evidence that Rooney's view is not being built on blind optimism.
Rivals still look unsettled
Rooney's argument also leans on the state of the chasing pack. He said: "We don't know how Man City will do without Pep Guardiola or how Liverpool will get on but I think they will be better and Chelsea will definitely be better as well as Tottenham."
That is where his prediction gets its edge. Manchester City finished 2025-26 on 78 points, Liverpool finished fifth on 60, and Rooney is not alone in thinking Chelsea will improve. Paul Scholes has also backed Arsenal, saying: "They look strong. They look too strong. They'll win it again."
The two views land in the same place, even if Rooney is more forceful about the margin. Arsenal start their title defence against Coventry City on Friday night, and the early test now is whether they make that opening feel routine rather than awkward.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
