Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has ignited the Premier League title debate by declaring Arsenal as his favourites to lift the trophy this season, suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s side will not falter in their pursuit of the crown.
Ferdinand’s comments came just hours after his former club, Manchester United, secured a dramatic 2-1 away victory over defending champions Liverpool at Anfield, a result that significantly reshaped the top of the table.
Ferdinand: ‘Arsenal Have the Best Squad Depth’
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former England defender asserted that after years of near misses, 2025/26 is Arsenal’s moment.
“I said before a ball was kicked this season that Arsenal, this is their chance to win the league,” Ferdinand stated. “I felt they had to do it this year and couldn’t come second again.”
Ferdinand specifically pointed to the quality and depth of the current Arsenal squad, which finished runner-up three seasons in a row under Arteta.
“They have got a wonderful group of players, it’s probably the best squad in terms of depth in the league. They recruited well in the summer and found a way again against Fulham yesterday. They are my favourites to win the Premier League,” he added.
Title Race Tightens After Anfield Thriller
Manchester United’s stunning victory at Anfield provided the context for Ferdinand’s bold prediction. The result delivered a significant blow to Liverpool’s title defence, marking their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions.
The match saw United take an early lead through Bryan Mbeumo in the second minute. While Cody Gakpo managed to level the score for Liverpool in the 78th minute, United captain Harry Maguire headed home the winner in the 84th minute from a precise Bruno Fernandes cross, sealing the Red Devils’ first win at Anfield since January 2016.
Arsenal’s consistency, highlighted by their slender 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday courtesy of Leandro Trossard, leaves them top of the table with 19 points, now four points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool and three points ahead of Manchester City.
The win for Manchester United, meanwhile, gives them 13 points and lifts them into the top half of the table, only six points off the top spot, providing a much-needed boost for manager Ruben Amorim.
