Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Manchester City may still edge the Premier League title race ahead of Arsenal, citing what he sees as a stronger defensive unit at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes argued that City currently possess the superior combination of goalkeeper and centre-backs, which could prove decisive during the final stretch of the 2025/26 campaign.
Arsenal entered the midweek round of fixtures five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after their 2-1 victory over Chelsea. However, Manchester City remain close behind with a game in hand and a crucial head-to-head meeting scheduled for late April.
Paul Scholes questions Arsenal defensive edge in title race
Scholes suggested that defensive stability could ultimately determine the destination of the title.
Manchester City’s back line has recently been reinforced by the arrival of Marc Guehi, who has quickly formed a partnership with Ruben Dias. The addition of Antoine Semenyo in attack has also strengthened Pep Guardiola’s squad depth.
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to rely on their established defensive core of goalkeeper David Raya and centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
“If I had to pick one to go on an unbeaten run I’d pick City. Whoever wins the league, you always say they deserved it. I’m struggling to find which team deserves it. I’m basing my decision on now who has the best goalkeeper and who has the best two centre halves and I think it’s just City.” — Paul Scholes
The former England international added that neither team has fully convinced him throughout the campaign.
Manchester City defensive strength highlighted
City’s recent recruitment has strengthened Guardiola’s squad during the second half of the campaign. Semenyo has already contributed six goals since arriving in January, while Guehi has quickly adapted to the defensive structure alongside Dias.
Behind them, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has delivered a series of influential performances.
Scholes believes that combination gives City a slight advantage in the run-in.
Defensive balance shaping the title battle
In modern Premier League campaigns, championship sides often combine attacking firepower with defensive reliability. Arsenal’s defensive record has been among the best in the league this season, but City’s recent reinforcements could shift that balance.
Ultimately, the outcome may depend less on isolated strengths and more on which squad maintains performance levels during the final weeks of the season.
Key Insights
- Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points.
- Manchester City hold a game in hand over the league leaders.
- Paul Scholes believes City have the stronger defensive unit.
- City strengthened their squad with January signings Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo.
- Arsenal and City will meet in a crucial match in April.
What’s Next?
Both teams continue their Premier League campaigns this week before attention briefly shifts to FA Cup fixtures over the weekend.
Manchester City host Nottingham Forest, while Arsenal travel to Brighton. The upcoming matches could influence momentum before their highly anticipated meeting later this spring.
With the title race entering its decisive phase, consistency across the next run of fixtures may prove more important than individual predictions.
Will Arsenal hold their lead or can Manchester City complete another late title surge?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 4 Mar 2026 15:31
Obviously - I think many backs City to win it. Both have some tough games left. It’s going to be very interesting until the end
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