Freddie Ljungberg, former champion of Arsenal, confidently introduced this team as the main contender for the Premier League title. He believes that Mikel Arteta, the team's head coach, gives Arsenal significant advantages over their rivals.
Arsenal's Convincing Victory Over Manchester City
Arsenal sent a warning to other teams with a convincing 3-0 victory against Manchester City in the Community Shield match. This victory not only boosted the players' confidence but also reminded them to proudly defend their championship from last season after a 22-year wait.
In recent weeks, Arsenal has shown through strong performances that this success is not coincidental. The team is currently at the top of the table after winning four consecutive matches and continues its campaign with a 100% win record at the start of the 2026/27 season, alongside last year's rival Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's Response to New Challenges
Arsenal's victory in the Community Shield could be a wake-up call for Enzo Maresca, the new head coach of Manchester City, who has taken over from Pep Guardiola. However, Maresca has handled these challenges well, leading City to 12 points from a possible 12 after winning the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Next, City will face Sunderland and hopes to continue their winning streak. On the other side, Arsenal is preparing to compete against Fabian Hürzeler and Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Ljungberg stated in an interview about Arsenal's championship chances this season: "Absolutely, I think they are the main contenders. Arsenal has a significant advantage because their coach has been in this position for a longer time, and they know how to play well."
He also pointed out that close victories are key to success in the Premier League, and if Arsenal maintains this trend, they can achieve the championship.
Other Analysts' Opinions
Peter Schmeichel, Ljungberg's colleague at Viaplay and former Manchester United goalkeeper, has also praised Arsenal. Regarding the team's 2-0 victory over Sunderland, he said: "This shows that Arsenal can win even when they are not playing well."
Arsenal has defeated their rivals Brighton twice last season, continuing their success with victories of 2-0 and 2-1 in these competitions. However, Brighton's start to the 2026/27 season has been unstable, currently recording one win, one draw, and one loss.
Overall, Ljungberg and other analysts believe that by maintaining this trend and continuing their successes, Arsenal can once again achieve the Premier League title and reach greater successes this season.
