Former Premier League goalkeeper and current ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop has boldly asserted that Arsenal possesses the most formidable squad in the division, backing them to finally clinch the English top-flight title. This endorsement follows the Gunners’ hard-fought 0-0 stalemate against reigning champions Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium this past Thursday. The result successfully pushed Mikel Arteta’s side to 49 points after 21 league outings, further cementing their status as the pace-setters for the 2025–2026 campaign.
Arsenal currently maintains a commanding six-point lead over their closest challengers, Manchester City and a resurgent Aston Villa, both of whom dropped points earlier in the week. Despite failing to break the deadlock against the Merseysiders, the North London club capitalized on City’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and Villa’s goalless encounter at Crystal Palace. Hislop believes that the structural depth and consistency within the Arsenal roster provide them with a definitive edge as the title race enters its crucial winter phase.
“They are the strongest team without question,” Hislop stated during an appearance on ESPN. “I believe they will go on and win the league.”
The Gunners are desperately seeking to end a 22-year championship drought, having last tasted Premier League success during the legendary “Invincibles” era of 2003–2004. After finishing as runners-up in each of the previous three seasons, Mikel Arteta has focused on refining the squad’s mental resilience and tactical flexibility. Pundits like Hislop view this current iteration of the team as a more mature unit, capable of handling the immense pressure that accompanies a sustained title charge against Pep Guardiola’s relentless Manchester City.
While some analysts express concern over Arsenal’s recent lack of clinical finishing—highlighted by their inability to find a winner against a disciplined Liverpool defense—Hislop argues that their overall squad quality remains unmatched. The team now prepares for a grueling schedule of away fixtures across four different competitions, starting with an FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth. Maintaining their six-point cushion will remain the top priority as the Premier League resumes its high-intensity battle for supremacy later this month.
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