Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has shifted his prediction for the 2025/26 Premier League title amid a tight race between Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. The former defender now believes Manchester City are in the strongest position to claim the trophy this season.
Arsenal Leading but Not Safe
As the calendar year draws to a close, Arsenal still top the Premier League standings. The Gunners, who last lifted the title in 2004, have maintained consistent form since the season’s start and have been at the forefront of the title race for much of the campaign.
In the last three seasons, Arsenal have consistently finished as runners-up. However, this year, Mikel Arteta’s squad is considered to have the deepest roster in the league, bolstered by an impressive summer transfer window in 2025.
Despite suffering key injuries in multiple positions, Arsenal’s hard-fought victory over Brighton ensured they remained top of the table entering the New Year.
Yet their lead is far from secure. Manchester City and Aston Villa remain close behind, trailing by only five and six points respectively. Moreover, City have a game in hand, meaning they can reduce the gap to just two points with a win.
Momentum Shifts Towards Manchester City
Manchester City have shown a far more convincing performance compared to last season, where they struggled to defend their title successfully. Major investments in both the January and summer transfer windows are beginning to pay off, and the team’s form has picked up noticeably.
A string of eight consecutive wins in all competitions demonstrates City’s resurgence under Pep Guardiola. This recent momentum was a key factor in Ferdinand’s change of opinion.
“I said Arsenal would finish first before the first ball was kicked, but if I were betting now, I’d go with City,” Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel, as cited by Metro on December 31, 2025.
“I want Arsenal to win, but given the current situation, City might just take it.”
Arsenal Face a Tough January Test
Entering the new year, Arsenal face a challenging fixture schedule, including matches against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Ferdinand believes these fixtures will be crucial in determining the outcome of the title race.
“I think Arsenal had a comfortable gap at one point, but they’ve allowed other teams to close in,” he explained.
According to Ferdinand, mental toughness and a winning mentality are critical. “You have to smell blood. In recent seasons, Arsenal have come very close but fell short. Now, you need to hit the ground running from day one.”
He emphasized that lessons from previous failures should serve as motivation. “The manager must convey that to the players. You need to dominate the lower and mid-table teams ruthlessly and consistently,” Ferdinand said.
“Arsenal’s recurring issue has been dropping points in matches they should win, especially during crucial moments. That’s the area they need to improve if they truly want to be champions.”
Premier League Title Race Intensifies
With momentum beginning to shift and competition tightening, the Premier League 2025/26 title race is expected to continue right up to the final weeks of the season.
While Arsenal remain in pole position, Manchester City’s resurgence under Guardiola, coupled with a favorable fixture list and squad depth, has made them a formidable contender. Aston Villa also remain a dangerous challenger, keeping the race unpredictable.
Ferdinand’s updated prediction highlights how form, momentum, and key fixture outcomes will likely play decisive roles in determining the champions. As City gain traction and Arsenal face tough challenges, fans can expect a thrilling battle until the very end.
Conclusion
The Premier League title race this season has evolved into one of the most competitive in recent memory. Arsenal’s early consistency has positioned them well, but Manchester City’s impressive winning streak and squad depth have shifted the odds in their favor.
According to Rio Ferdinand, the difference may come down to mentality, consistency against mid- and lower-table sides, and handling crucial fixtures under pressure. With Aston Villa also pushing from behind, the final outcome remains far from certain. One thing is clear: the 2025/26 Premier League race promises excitement until the very last matchday.
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