Wayne Rooney’s Premier League title race prediction has added a fresh twist to the battle between Arsenal and Manchester City, with the former England captain backing City to drop points before the Gunners in the final stretch.
Speaking after Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, Rooney suggested the momentum may have shifted, but the outcome remains far from settled. According to reports, he believes a difficult away fixture could prove decisive in the coming weeks.
Wayne Rooney predicts Man City slip in Arsenal title race
Manchester City’s recent run has put them firmly back in control. Pep Guardiola’s side have now won four consecutive matches in all competitions, recovering quickly after their Champions League exit.
Arsenal, by contrast, have struggled for consistency. One win in their last six games, including consecutive Premier League defeats, has opened the door for City to take top spot if they secure victory against Burnley.
Despite that shift, Rooney expects another turn in the race.
“I think it will be tight. They’re good fixtures for Arsenal, I think they will win all them games. I think City’s fixtures are a bit more difficult, and I think Everton might take a couple of points off them.” — Wayne Rooney
Fixture difficulty could define outcome
Rooney’s prediction centres on City’s trip to Everton on 2 May 2026, a fixture he believes could disrupt their momentum. In contrast, he views Arsenal’s remaining schedule as more favourable.
The title race scenario is tightening rapidly. Should City defeat Burnley, the gap could disappear entirely, setting up a five-game run-in where every result carries significant weight.
From the matches we’ve followed involving both sides in recent weeks, momentum has shifted quickly between the two. City’s form has improved at a crucial stage, but Arsenal’s earlier consistency keeps them firmly in contention. However, much will depend on how each team handles the pressure of the final weeks.
Composure seen as decisive factor
Rooney emphasised that mentality, rather than fixtures alone, will likely determine the outcome.
“This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come. It is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites. From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best – that’s who will win it.” — Wayne Rooney
His experience in similar title races adds weight to that view, highlighting how expectations on paper rarely translate directly into results during the run-in.
Key Insights
- Wayne Rooney predicts Manchester City will drop points before Arsenal
- Everton away on 2 May is highlighted as a potential turning point
- City can go top with a win over Burnley in their next fixture
- Arsenal’s recent form has dipped but their fixtures are viewed as favourable
- Composure is expected to be the defining factor in the title race
What’s Next
Manchester City face Burnley next, with the chance to take control of the title race depending on results elsewhere. Arsenal, meanwhile, must respond quickly to recent setbacks to maintain pressure at the top.
The upcoming fixtures across late April and early May 2026 are likely to shape the final standings, particularly with key away matches still to be played. Any dropped points at this stage could prove decisive.
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