Harry Maguire has delivered a surprising verdict on the Premier League title race, claiming Arsenal are currently a stronger team than Manchester City and backing Mikel Arteta’s side to finish the job.
The Manchester United defender has faced both title challengers this season and believes Arsenal’s structure and defensive organisation give them an advantage over Pep Guardiola’s side.
With Arsenal sitting two points clear at the top of the table and closing in on a first league title in 22 years, Maguire feels the north London club have developed into a more complete team.
Maguire explains Arsenal advantage
Speaking on The Overlap, Maguire pointed towards Arsenal’s defensive shape and overall balance as the biggest difference between the two teams.
“I’ve played both. Honestly, I always thought Arsenal were the better team when we played them.”
The England defender then explained exactly what made facing Arsenal particularly difficult.
“They give you nothing. They were so solid.”
Maguire also reflected on Manchester United’s experience playing at the Emirates, suggesting the result perhaps painted a misleading picture of the overall performance.
“We beat them at the Emirates, but we didn’t create much.”
Defensive structure praised
While Manchester City remain widely recognised for dominating possession and controlling matches, Maguire believes Arsenal have developed a different strength.
According to the defender, Arsenal’s ability to protect dangerous areas has become one of their defining qualities.
“Arsenal defend the box so well.”
Having followed Arsenal’s development under Arteta closely, defensive improvement has arguably been one of the biggest transformations in recent seasons.
The Gunners have moved beyond simply being an entertaining attacking side and increasingly resemble a team capable of winning through control and discipline.
| Premier League title race | Current situation |
|---|---|
| 1st place | Arsenal |
| 2nd place | Manchester City |
| Gap | 2 points |
| Arsenal remaining games | Burnley, Crystal Palace |
| Manchester City remaining games | Bournemouth, Aston Villa |
source: Premier League standings – 16 May 2026
Maguire predicts Arsenal will finish the job
Maguire also avoided sitting on the fence when asked who he expects to become champions.
Despite Manchester City’s experience in title races, he backed Arsenal to maintain their advantage.
“I always thought you’d have enough. I still think you’ll have enough.”
From the closing weeks of the title race, momentum appears to have shifted repeatedly between both clubs.
However, Arsenal remain in control of their own destiny.
Maximum points against Burnley and Crystal Palace would secure a first Premier League crown since Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles era and potentially create perfect momentum heading into their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Key Points
- Harry Maguire believes Arsenal are stronger than Manchester City
- The Manchester United defender praised Arsenal's defensive structure
- Maguire predicted Arsenal will win the Premier League title
- Arsenal currently sit two points ahead of City
- The Gunners need victories over Burnley and Crystal Palace
What’s next
Arsenal continue their title push against Burnley before ending the league campaign away at Crystal Palace.
Manchester City must continue winning and hope Mikel Arteta’s side slip up before the season concludes.
Is Harry Maguire right — have Arsenal now overtaken Manchester City as the Premier League’s strongest team?
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