Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League, though he added a significant caveat regarding Manchester City’s ongoing legal challenges. Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Cole suggested that while Arsenal appear to be the side to watch, City’s prospects could hinge on the work of their legal team regarding recent charges. Asked where the title is heading, Cole said.
The discussion follows a shifting table, where the Gunners have moved level on 21 points with Manchester City after eight matches. City currently sit behind on goal difference, having suffered their first league defeat of the season in a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory against Everton, bolstered by an early goal from Ezri Konsa and a 68th-minute header from Gabriel Magalhaes, marking his 200th Premier League appearance and the team’s ninth straight home win.
City’s off-field situation remains complex after an independent commission found the club guilty of more than 100 breaches of financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, which included allegations of using ‘sham contracts.’ The club filed an appeal in early October, asserting that the commission’s ruling contained significant errors of law, principle, and fact, rendering the verdict unsafe. Since that ruling, City have dropped points in two of their last five league fixtures.
Looking ahead, the schedule remains demanding for both contenders. Manchester City are set to face Brighton at the Etihad this Saturday, while also preparing for a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against the same opponent this Wednesday. Brighton currently sit third with 16 points and remain the only team to have defeated Arsenal in the league this season.
Arsenal face a stern test of their own as they travel to Anfield to play Liverpool on Sunday. Fabian Hurzeler’s men are a nightmare to face when they are on song.
The Reds hold 15 points, and while Arsenal look to extend their lead, they must navigate the challenge without a win at the venue since 2012. Additionally, reports indicate that forward Bukayo Saka may be sidelined for up to two months due to a quad injury. A victory for Mikel Arteta’s side would create a nine-point gap between them and Liverpool, whereas a defeat would narrow the margin to just three points.
