Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has delivered a strong caution to Arsenal, arguing that the current Premier League leaders will have no chance of winning the title if they continue dropping points in decisive, high-pressure matches.
Arsenal remain at the top of the standings by a narrow two-point margin, despite suffering a painful 2–1 defeat away to Aston Villa last Saturday. The loss has reignited debate about the Gunners’ mental strength and their ability to maintain consistency in the title race.
Villa struck early through Matty Cash, but a second-half goal from Leandro Trossard momentarily revived Arsenal’s hopes of salvaging a point. Just when Mikel Arteta’s men looked poised to leave Birmingham with something, Emiliano Buendía scored deep into stoppage time, handing Arsenal their second defeat of the campaign.
The victory lifted Aston Villa into third place, intensifying the fight at the top and pulling them even closer into the title discussion.
Only hours later, Manchester City — widely viewed as Arsenal’s most dangerous rival — cruised to a commanding 3–0 win over Sunderland, further tightening the pressure on the Premier League leaders.
Scholes: Arsenal Won’t End Their 22-Year Title Drought Unless They Improve in Big Moments
Despite bookmakers still listing Arsenal as a leading title contender, Scholes believes they will struggle to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League trophy unless they dramatically improve their performances in marquee fixtures.
“Man City now have a huge chance, don’t they?” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
“I still don’t think they’re at their best yet, but City always get stronger in the second half of the season. Arsenal’s problem is that they can’t win big games. Until they start winning those matches, they’ve got no chance of winning the league.”
Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles, is adamant that dominating smaller teams is not enough. Champions, he argues, must consistently beat their direct rivals.
A Catalogue of Costly Failures: Scholes Highlights Arsenal’s Weaknesses
The former England midfielder pointed to several moments this season that exposed Arsenal’s shortcomings.
“They lost to Liverpool, they couldn’t beat Man City at home when City weren’t even at their best. Aston Villa are a good side, don’t get me wrong, but Arsenal still didn’t win a big game. And they couldn’t beat Chelsea even when Chelsea were down to ten men,”
Scholes explained.
For Scholes, these missteps tell a clear story: Arsenal lack the killer instinct required to become Premier League champions.
He also emphasized that Manchester City typically enter their strongest phase after January — a trend seen in nearly every title race under Pep Guardiola.
“Historically, City always get better after January. And this season, they had the Club World Cup, so they didn’t even have a proper pre-season. They will only improve,” he added.
Nicky Butt Agrees: “City Will Win the League — and Pep Will Walk Away”
Scholes isn’t the only former United player backing Manchester City to reclaim the top spot. His long-time teammate Nicky Butt also believes Guardiola’s men will eventually edge out Arsenal once again.
“About a month ago I said City were my pick to win the league,” Butt noted.
“They’re starting to find their rhythm now. The reason I’m sure they’ll win it is Pep. He’s got the experience, the structure, everything. I can actually see them winning the league this year — and then he leaves.”
Guardiola’s future has indeed been the subject of speculation, but regardless of whether he stays or goes, both Butt and Scholes share the same view: Manchester City remain the benchmark, and Arsenal have not proven they can surpass them.
Arsenal Must Respond: Wolves Await at the Emirates
Despite the criticism, Arsenal will have an immediate chance to bounce back this weekend. They will host Wolves, who currently sit at the bottom of the table and have endured one of the worst starts in Premier League history.
The match offers a crucial opportunity for Arteta’s men to regain confidence before the title race intensifies further.
City Face Dangerous Trip; Villa Look to Maintain Momentum
While Arsenal aim for redemption, Manchester City will travel to face Crystal Palace, the same team that defeated them in last season’s FA Cup final — a reminder that Selhurst Park is far from an easy venue.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa, now firmly in the title conversation, will take on West Ham, seeking to extend their excellent form and cement their status as genuine contenders.
A Title Race Defined by Fine Margins — and Arsenal Must Prove Scholes Wrong
The Premier League title race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years. Arsenal are still top, still strong, and still widely respected — but according to Paul Scholes, none of that will matter unless they begin winning the biggest matches against the biggest teams.
Until then, the former United star believes the trophy remains Manchester City’s to lose.
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