Legendary Manchester United midfielder, Paul Scholes, has warned that Arsenal may have lost the momentum in the 2025/2026 Premier League title race. Scholes predicts that the Gunners will drop points once again when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Arsenal, aiming to secure their first league title since 2004, has only managed two points from their last three Premier League matches. As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side now holds a slim four-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa, who sit in second and third place, respectively.
Manchester City had experienced a brief dip earlier this month, dropping points in four consecutive matches. However, Arsenal failed to capitalize on City’s slip-up. The North London side could not secure a victory in three successive league games, drawing against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before suffering a disappointing defeat against Manchester United last weekend.
Despite these domestic setbacks, Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League in the early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Gunners edged past underdogs Kairat 3-2, securing the top spot in their group and finishing the group stage with a perfect record.
Leeds United: A Rising Threat
Mikel Arteta will be eager to guide Arsenal back to winning ways in domestic competition. However, Paul Scholes believes Leeds United will prevent the Gunners from taking all three points at Elland Road.
Earlier in the season, Leeds had struggled significantly, with manager Daniel Farke reportedly facing the threat of dismissal. But the Elland Road side has dramatically turned their fortunes around since early December 2025, losing just once in 11 matches across all competitions.
Leeds achieved notable victories during this period, including an impressive win over FIFA Club World Cup champions Chelsea. The team also managed to hold reigning Premier League champions Liverpool to a draw on two occasions and even stole points from Manchester United.
These results have elevated Leeds’ position in the league table, putting them six points clear of the relegation zone. Scholes is convinced that Leeds’ strong form will continue to pose serious challenges to Arsenal in their upcoming clash.
Scholes’ Score Prediction
Speaking to The Overlap, Paul Scholes shared his prediction for the high-stakes fixture. The former Manchester United and England midfielder believes Arsenal will be held to a draw by Leeds.
“I think it will end 1-1. Are you sure Arsenal will win? I don’t think so. Leeds are playing well, and Arsenal have lost their momentum, haven’t they?” Scholes commented.
Gary Neville, Scholes’ former United teammate and England colleague, added his perspective, reinforcing the threat Leeds poses. “Leeds are doing really well, I’d say 1-1. That means Arsenal drop two more points, Ian Wright,” Neville remarked.
Arsenal’s Challenge in the Title Race
Arsenal’s recent struggles highlight the precarious nature of their position at the top of the Premier League table. Momentum has proven to be critical in title races, and losing it could be costly as Manchester City and Aston Villa continue to push hard for the championship.
Arteta faces a tactical dilemma, as Leeds’ defensive organization and quick transitions could exploit Arsenal’s occasional lapses in concentration. While the Gunners remain strong in attack, their inability to convert dominance into wins over the last three matches underscores the importance of regaining form.
Leeds, on the other hand, is thriving under Farke’s guidance. Their resurgence demonstrates a combination of tactical discipline, counter-attacking efficiency, and squad depth that makes them dangerous, even against top-tier opponents. Scholes’ prediction reflects a growing recognition that Arsenal will need more than reputation and past performance to secure three points on Saturday.
Key Players to Watch
For Arsenal, playmakers like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka will be crucial in breaking down Leeds’ compact defense. The Gunners’ ability to control possession and exploit spaces on the flanks could determine the outcome.
Leeds will rely heavily on the creativity of their midfield and the resilience of their defensive line to hold Arsenal at bay. Players like Pascal Struijk and Tyler Adams have been instrumental in maintaining the team’s solid form, while Farke’s tactical adjustments have kept opponents guessing.
The Bigger Picture
This fixture not only tests Arsenal’s ability to maintain their momentum but also provides insight into how competitive the Premier League remains at the top. Dropping points against a resurgent Leeds could narrow the title race dramatically, with Manchester City and Aston Villa ready to capitalize.
Scholes’ prediction resonates with fans and pundits alike, emphasizing that the battle for the 2025/2026 Premier League crown is far from decided. Arsenal must find a way to restore confidence, cohesion, and consistency to maintain their lead and navigate the pressures of a challenging title race.
As Saturday approaches, all eyes will be on Elland Road to see whether Arsenal can respond to Scholes’ warning or if Leeds will once again snatch crucial points from a top-four contender.
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