Arsenal are forecast to retain the Premier League title they won last season, according to the latest season preview by chief football writer Phil McNulty. In a set of predictions that points to continuity at the summit, McNulty places Arsenal top, with Manchester City second and Liverpool third.
Arsenal's momentum and squad depth
Having ended a 22‑year wait for the Premier League crown, Arsenal enter the new campaign as favourites in McNulty's assessment. The verdict rests on the belief that Mikel Arteta's squad possess quality across the pitch and the psychological advantage that comes with being reigning champions.
McNulty highlights recent additions — notably Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis — and points to Arsenal's victory over City in the Community Shield as evidence of their readiness to defend the title. The prediction suggests that the Gunners' blend of established starters and new signings gives them the best chance of repeating last season's success.
City in transition after Guardiola era
McNulty describes Manchester City as entering a "new era" under Enzo Maresca, who succeeds Pep Guardiola. City have experienced a summer of significant departures: McNulty notes the exits of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, changes that create a sense of transition at the Etihad.
Despite the turnover, McNulty stresses the presence of world‑class personnel remains a major factor. He singles out Erling Haaland as a player who ensures City will always be in contention for silverware. Incoming recruits are expected, with the club already having brought in £116m Elliot Anderson and with Moroccan youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi linked from Lille.
Liverpool rebuilding under Iraola
In McNulty's view, Liverpool will finish third as they adapt to a new footballing chapter. Andoni Iraola has been appointed after a difficult season and is charged with restoring stability following a disappointing title defence and a chaotic period that culminated in managerial change.
The preview refers to a "post‑Mohamed Salah era", signalling a significant shift for Liverpool as they integrate Iraola’s intense, high‑energy approach with the quality already in the squad. McNulty cautions that the transition may not be straightforward but believes there is still a solid base upon which to rebuild.
- Arsenal — predicted champions, buoyed by recent signings and Community Shield form.
- Manchester City — viewed as in transition under Enzo Maresca but still dangerous.
- Liverpool — expected to be competitive while adjusting to Andoni Iraola’s methods.
| Position | Club | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | Depth, confidence as reigning champions |
| 2 | Manchester City | New manager, major departures but Haaland remains |
| 3 | Liverpool | Rebuilding under Iraola after poor defence |
McNulty also notes that the 2026–27 season will start with a fresh managerial landscape: nine new bosses arrive in the top flight, making predictions more complex than usual. That turnover, combined with high‑profile player movements and the unsettled nature of a number of squads, underpins his cautious assessments beyond the top three.
The preview frames the coming season as one in which small margins and managerial decisions will decide the championship race. For Arsenal, the challenge is to convert last season’s achievement into sustained dominance. For City, the test lies in how quickly they integrate replacements and stabilise under Maresca. Liverpool’s story will be about the tempo of Iraola’s imprint and whether the club can recover momentum after a turbulent campaign.
With elite players shifting allegiances and tactical blueprints changing across clubs, McNulty’s predictions provide an early map for what promises to be a competitive, unpredictable Premier League season.
