Former England striker Michael Owen has cast doubt on Arsenal’s supremacy in the Premier League title race, claiming that despite leading the table, Mikel Arteta’s side are still only the “third-best team” behind Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Gunners’ ten-match winning run across all competitions ended with a 2–2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday, allowing City to close the gap at the top to four points. While Arsenal extended their lead over Liverpool to eight points, Owen insists that the North London side are not yet the most complete team in the league — even if results suggest otherwise.
Owen questions Arsenal’s overall quality
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen praised Arsenal’s defensive structure but suggested that their style lacks the same attacking explosiveness that characterises Pep Guardiola’s City or Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
“Arsenal’s strength is their defence. They’ve got a great goalkeeper and a really good back four that’s protected really well,” said Owen. “They don’t concede many goals, so for a newly-promoted team like Sunderland to score two against them is a brilliant achievement.” — Michael Owen, Premier League Productions
When asked if the title was now Arsenal’s to lose, Owen said that while they remain favourites on current form, the title race could change quickly once City and Liverpool hit top gear.
“Possibly… they’re a fair few points ahead,” he admitted. “But if Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool all play at their very best, I still think Arsenal are probably the third-best team.”
Efficiency over flair
Owen went on to explain that Arsenal’s consistency, rather than attacking dominance, has been their biggest advantage so far this season.
“They’re so efficient,” he said. “If Liverpool or Man City play at their best, they can blow anyone away by four or five goals. But when Liverpool have an off day, they get beaten. Arsenal, on the other hand, can still play badly and grind out a result. That might just play in their favour this season.”
He argued that Arsenal’s disciplined approach could see them “plug away” in the title race even if their performances are less spectacular than their rivals’. However, he also warned that leading from the front brings its own psychological pressure.
Carragher disagrees: “Arsenal have been the best team so far”
Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, strongly disagreed with Owen’s assessment, insisting that Arsenal have been the best-performing team in the league this season — even if the looming presence of Manchester City is causing some nerves in North London.
“I think Arsenal will be nervous because it’s Man City,” said Carragher. “They’ve done this before. Twice in the last three years City have caught Arsenal. They’re probably getting flashbacks of when they lost the title in previous years.” — Jamie Carragher, Sky Sports
Carragher added that despite recent jitters, Arsenal’s level of play has impressed him more than any other team in 2025/26. “I still think Arsenal are the best team I’ve seen this season,” he said. “But there’s an awfully long way to go.”
Title race heating up again
Arsenal’s strong defensive record — just 11 goals conceded in 12 league matches — has underpinned their rise to the top. Yet with City closing the gap and Liverpool capable of explosive winning runs, the Premier League’s top three appear set for another nail-biting race.
City, four points back, continue to build momentum after a slow start, while Liverpool remain inconsistent but dangerous. Arsenal’s resilience, though, has made them difficult to dislodge. Arteta’s team have learned to win ugly, something that could prove decisive down the stretch.
| Premier League 2025/26 (Top 3) | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 31 | +19 |
| Manchester City | 27 | +22 |
| Liverpool | 23 | +14 |
source: Premier League standings – 9 November 2025
Analyst Verdict: Arsenal efficient, City still ominous
FootballPlace believes both pundits make valid points. “Owen’s logic is tactical — Arsenal’s strength lies in their structure, not flair. Carragher’s argument is emotional — he’s seen Arsenal control matches better than anyone this season,” he explained.
“Ultimately, City remain the biggest threat. Arsenal have the discipline and balance, but Guardiola’s team have the pedigree to chase down anyone. The next two months will test Arsenal’s nerve more than their tactics.”
Key Insights
- Michael Owen says Arsenal are still “third-best” behind City and Liverpool.
- The ex-England striker claims Arsenal’s defensive efficiency masks limited flair.
- Jamie Carragher insists Arsenal have been the best team so far this season.
- Arsenal lead City by four points and Liverpool by eight.
- Gunners’ composure under pressure will define their title credentials.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
After the international break, Arsenal return to action in the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on 23 November 2025 — a fixture that could further test their title credentials. Arteta will hope to restore momentum after the draw at Sunderland and maintain breathing room over Manchester City.
With fixtures against Chelsea and Brentford to follow, Arsenal’s resilience will once again be under the spotlight. Whether Owen’s assessment proves prophetic or Carragher’s optimism holds true, the coming weeks may define the Premier League’s hierarchy for the rest of the season.
👉 Do you agree with Michael Owen that Arsenal are still only the third-best team — or is Jamie Carragher right to call them the best in the league right now?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *