Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison has told BetBrain that he still favours Arsenal to win the title this season over Manchester City.
Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison has told BetBrain that he still favours Arsenal to win the title this season over Manchester City.
“It is amazing how quickly momentum has changed,” he said. “After the Community Shield, I thought Arsenal would win the league by 10 points and could not see a serious challenger.”
Hutchison considers that the momentum coming from last season drives Arsenal, whereas City’s excellent form to start the season makes them the other undeniable contender. However, he dutifully notes that this current iteration of City is far from a no deposit bonus given the spending made by the Citizens in the summer of 2026.
“Then Manchester City spent heavily on three midfielders, and it has transformed them. Enzo Fernández has been a fantastic signing, and the other additions have settled well.”
“Now I think it is a genuine two-horse race. I don’t see anybody else winning it.”
Don understands that there needs to be a readjustment for the Gunners. They also have several new names in their squad, especially Bruno Guimaraes, who we discussed previously in our interview with former English international Chris Waddle for the BetBrain blog.
“Arsenal need to find their rhythm again. I did not think their latest performance against Nottingham Forest was particularly good, and I thought Leeds deserved a draw against them.
“Arteta talks about his ‘finishers’ coming off the bench. That can be a strength, but I would rather see the starting team play well and get two or three goals ahead than rely on substitutes to win the game.
“Having said that, if Arsenal keep winning 1-0, so be it. It does not always have to be entertaining.”
With Arsenal still in good shape, Chelsea finding their footing under Xabi Alonso, and the Haaland injury looming large, not to mention the off-the-pitch questions, City’s Premier League campaign will obviously not be one of their free spins toward the title.
“Hopefully it does not happen, but if Erling Haaland were injured, City would lose a huge proportion of their goals.”
“Arsenal spread that responsibility more widely. They do not have to rely on Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyökeres because their wide players, midfielders, full-backs and centre-backs can all contribute.”
However, Hutchison still finds Arsenal to be in the best position to win the EPL. That’s especially important since they’ve gotten over their hump, which was the title drought and constant 2nd-place finishes. Winning last season was a strong impetus, especially since losing another title could’ve left mental scars, as put by Jermaine Pennant in his discussion with BetBrain. Hutchison puts it bluntly:
“If I had to pick, I would go with Arsenal to win the league.”
