Nigel Winterburn names three clubs to challenge Arsenal for Premier League title

Former Arsenal star backs Gunners to stay in title race

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has identified Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea as the three teams most likely to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title this season.

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League table ahead of their weekend fixture against Burnley, maintaining strong early-season form as they aim to end a two-decade wait for the league crown.

The Gunners finished second behind Liverpool last season in a closely contested title race, but Winterburn believes Mikel Arteta’s side have what it takes to go one step further this time around.

Winterburn: Arsenal’s biggest rivals are Liverpool, City, and Chelsea

Speaking in an interview with Metro UK, the former England international expressed confidence that Arsenal can sustain their impressive run but cautioned that several top teams remain strong contenders.

“I think Liverpool, Man City, and Chelsea will be the nearest teams to Arsenal,” Winterburn said. “I hope we finish on top of the pile. It’s just incredible that people are talking about the title race being over. We have not even played 10 games of the season.”

He added that the Premier League’s unpredictable nature means that no team can afford complacency at this stage of the campaign.

“We all know that after Christmas, with the realisation of where you are and what you’re doing, the pressure builds. You pick up injuries, and there are mental swings. The main challengers to Arsenal are Liverpool, Man City, and Chelsea,” he said.

Arsenal seeking redemption after last season’s near miss

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have steadily developed into one of the most consistent teams in English football. Last season, they led the league for several months before faltering in the final stretch, allowing Liverpool to overtake them and claim the title.

The North London side have since strengthened their squad with key signings and improved depth across all positions, giving fans renewed hope that the team can go all the way this season.

Winterburn, who made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1987 and 2000, praised the progress Arteta has made and the resilience the current squad has shown since that disappointing finish.

“Arsenal have learned from what happened last season,” he noted. “They now have more experience and a better understanding of how to manage the crucial stages of the campaign. That experience will be vital this time around.”

Liverpool and Manchester City remain serious contenders

Winterburn also acknowledged the enduring threat posed by Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom have consistently challenged for the title in recent years.

“Liverpool have looked very sharp this season. They have a squad that knows how to win and a manager who demands intensity,” he said. “Manchester City, on the other hand, never go away. Even when people think they are struggling, they find a way to climb back into contention.”

He added that City’s depth, tactical flexibility, and experience under Pep Guardiola make them a constant danger to any team with title ambitions.

Chelsea showing signs of resurgence under new management

The former Arsenal full-back also included Chelsea in his list of potential challengers, suggesting that the West London club’s recent performances indicate a revival in form.

“Chelsea are beginning to settle under their new setup,” Winterburn explained. “They have invested heavily in young players, and once that group finds consistency, they will be a real force again. You can’t rule them out of the title conversation.”

Chelsea endured a turbulent campaign last season but have begun to show improvement under new management. Winterburn believes that if they maintain their momentum, they could surprise many observers.

Title race expected to go down to the wire

With several teams performing strongly in the opening weeks, the former Arsenal defender expects the 2025 Premier League title race to be one of the most competitive in recent years.

“It’s far too early to talk about anyone running away with it,” Winterburn said. “The Premier League is unpredictable — all it takes is a few injuries, a tough run of fixtures, or a dip in form for things to change quickly.”

Arsenal’s next test comes on Saturday, when they host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. A win would help the Gunners maintain their position at the summit and strengthen their confidence heading into the busy winter schedule.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Arsenal handle the pressure, particularly during the crucial post-Christmas period that Winterburn highlighted as decisive in determining the eventual champions.

For now, the Gunners’ fans can take encouragement from the team’s strong start — and from the faith shown by one of their club legends, who believes that Arsenal remain firmly in control of their destiny.