Former Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has officially tipped Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title this season, citing their overwhelming physical and mental evolution. Speaking on a recent episode of The Overlap, the 40-year-old expressed his conviction that the Gunners have developed the necessary grit to withstand the pressures of a high-stakes title race. Rooney noted that the North London club appears far better equipped to navigate the closing months of the campaign compared to previous years, largely due to their tactical maturity and robust squad profile.
Rooney highlighted the transformative impact of manager Mikel Arteta, who has successfully steered the team through past disappointments to reach a new level of composure. The ex-England captain believes that while Manchester City will remain a persistent threat, Pep Guardiola’s side lacks the margin for error required to overtake an Arsenal team that creates and converts at a relentless pace. The Super Eagles-linked club currently maintains a four-point lead at the summit, with the opportunity to widen the gap even further this week.
“I think they’re too strong and powerful. I think they win it because of Mikel Arteta. He’s shown the pressure in previous years, but he’s handling it spot on this season. Man City will give them a tough time, but I just can’t see them winning every game and Arsenal dropping that many points,” Rooney said.
The timing of Rooney’s endorsement comes at a critical juncture in the 2025/26 season. Arsenal travels to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night, a fixture that could see them extend their lead over City to seven points. Despite a minor setback in their last league outing—a 1-1 draw against Brentford—the Gunners quickly rebounded with a dominant 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan, proving their ability to maintain focus across multiple competitions.
As the race enters its final twelve matches, Rooney’s assessment reflects a growing consensus that the power balance in English football is shifting. The legendary striker, who faced many resilient Arsenal sides during his playing days, remarked that the current group has shed the “soft” reputation of the past. With key players returning to fitness and Arteta projecting an aura of calm, the Gunners look poised to end their two-decade wait for a league trophy.
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