Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has labeled Arsenal the “red-hot favourites” to clinch the Premier League championship following their latest performance against Liverpool. The hard-hitting pundit offered his assessment after witnessing Mikel Arteta’s squad battle to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening.
This stalemate ensures that the North London club maintains a formidable six-point cushion at the summit of the standings, keeping both Manchester City and Aston Villa at a significant distance as the season progresses into its final stages.
During his analysis on Sky Sports, Keane emphasized that the Arsenal hierarchy should feel immense satisfaction with the team’s current trajectory after completing 21 league fixtures. He pointed out that holding such a substantial lead at this juncture of the campaign provides a psychological advantage that few teams manage to secure. Despite the mounting pressure from the chasing pack, Keane noted that the Gunners’ consistency has transformed them into the team to beat for the 2025-2026 title.
“He’ll be pleased, the manager. Six points clear after 21 games, what a position to be in,” Keane stated during the post-match broadcast.
The veteran commentator did, however, issue a stern warning regarding the resilience of the defending champions and the season’s surprise contenders. He suggested that while Arsenal currently occupies the driver’s seat, the tactical depth of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and the momentum of Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will test the Gunners’ resolve in the coming months. Keane expects a relentless pursuit from the second and third-placed teams as they attempt to erode Arsenal’s dominance.
“But you have to believe Manchester City and Aston Villa will hunt them down. At this moment in time, Arsenal are obviously red-hot favourites to win the title,” Keane added.
Arsenal now prepares for a challenging run of games in late January, including a pivotal trip to face West Ham United. Mikel Arteta remains focused on maintaining the defensive solidity that frustrated Liverpool’s attackers, as the club pursues its first league trophy in over two decades. With 17 matches remaining in the schedule, the Premier League title race appears to be a three-way battle, but as Keane suggests, the momentum remains firmly with the red side of North London.
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