Chris Sutton — who experienced a dramatic title decider with Blackburn in 1995 and now predicts all 380 Premier League fixtures for BBC Sport — believes Arsenal will emerge champions this season.
Sutton points to Arsenal’s form against their remaining opponents: in the reverse fixtures they beat the five teams they still have to face by a combined 8-1, and he expects them to do the same again. He sees Newcastle as a winnable game for Arsenal this weekend, despite past close contests, and thinks the tougher test will be the away trip to West Ham, coming just after Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid. Even so, Sutton expects Arsenal to grind out the required results.
He views Manchester City’s run-in as more difficult. Although City beat Arsenal recently — a significant result — Sutton argues Pep Guardiola’s side still face tricky away matches, notably Everton and Bournemouth, and he anticipates they will drop points, most likely at Everton.
Sutton also highlights the attacking difference-makers. Erling Haaland’s Premier League tallies since joining City — 36, 27, 22 and 24 so far this season — give City a potent finisher who can decide tight games. By contrast, Arsenal’s leading Premier League scorers in recent seasons have managed 15, 16 and 9, with Viktor Gyokeres on 12 this term. Sutton notes Gyokeres started on the bench in the recent City game, suggesting Arsenal lack a guaranteed match-winner on the bench, while City have high-quality attacking options and emerging talents like Rayan Cherki.
Finally, goal difference could matter. City’s goal difference is currently superior and they already beat Burnley 5-1 at home in September; Arsenal still need to face Burnley at the Emirates and could use that fixture to improve their numbers if required. Overall, Sutton expects a close finish but backs Arsenal to take the title.
