Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand firmly asserts that the Premier League title race involves three distinct teams, emphatically including Aston Villa alongside established contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.
Speaking on his eponymous YouTube channel, the former England international addressed the remarkable form of Unai Emery’s side, who have achieved a string of victories that catapulted them into the top three.
When directly asked if Villa should be considered title contenders, Ferdinand was resolute:
“They have to be. Do you not think they are?”
Ferdinand acknowledged that while Villa has the form, Manchester City possesses a distinct edge that could prove decisive. He based this on their history of sustained success, which provides a mental advantage over their rivals.
“My only concern with them if we’re comparing them with Arsenal and Manchester City. “City are the only ones with experience of winning and know how to do it so that puts them at an advantage.”
The title race is incredibly tight as the teams head into the crucial festive fixture period:
Arsenal currently occupies the top spot on the table with 36 points.
Manchester City holds the second position with 34 points, maintaining a two-point gap.
Aston Villa sits in third place, closely trailing City with 33 points.
Ferdinand’s analysis underscores the fact that the experience of winning, which City commands, remains the greatest differentiator between the three teams vying for the 2025/2026 Premier League crown.
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