Former Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor has dismissed Arsenal’s chances of clinching the Premier League trophy, insisting that Manchester City remains the favorite to win the 2025/26 title. Speaking on Premier League Productions following Arsenal’s commanding 4-1 North London Derby win over Tottenham on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the retired striker argued that the Gunners’ current five-point lead provides a false sense of security. Adebayor highlighted Manchester City’s game in hand and their historic ability to navigate the high-pressure final months of the season as the deciding factors.
The victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium restored Arsenal’s advantage at the summit, but Pep Guardiola’s side continues to lurk closely behind. Adebayor, who played for both clubs during his storied career, believes the depth and championship pedigree within the City locker room will eventually tell. He noted that while Mikel Arteta has successfully instilled “personality” into his young squad, maintaining that intensity over the final ten games often proves too difficult for teams lacking City’s recent track record of success.
“I have looked at the next fixtures for both Arsenal and City. I think City will win the league. I am going to rely more on City’s experience. Guardiola has won it and he has players that has won it. He has also added new players to his squad. Arsenal have showed personality today, but can they do it for the remaining 10 games? I doubt.”
Adebayor’s skeptical assessment aligns with Manchester City’s relentless form, having secured a vital 2-1 win against Newcastle just 24 hours prior to the derby. The pundit suggests that the sheer volume of “winners” in the City camp—reinforced by savvy summer arrivals—gives them a psychological edge that Arsenal has yet to match. As the title race enters the home stretch, Adebayor expects the Gunners to falter under the mounting pressure of a pursuit they haven’t won in over two decades.
The two giants are scheduled for a direct confrontation in mid-April at the Etihad Stadium, a fixture many analysts consider the “title decider.” Until then, the former Arsenal forward maintains that City’s adaptability and Pep Guardiola’s tactical mastery make them the safer bet for a fourth consecutive crown. Supporters on both sides of the divide now wait to see if the Gunners can defy Adebayor’s prediction and finally secure the silverware that has eluded them since 2004.
About the Author
