Eboue: Arsenal Have Strong Chance to Retain Premier League Title
Arsenal’s defence of the Premier League title has begun with the champions three points behind Manchester City in second place, but former Gunners defender Emmanuel Eboue believes Mikel Arteta’s side remain well placed to retain the crown despite a damaging 3-0 loss at Brighton before the international break.
Arsenal season at a glance
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League position | Second | Three points behind Manchester City |
| Brighton result | 0-3 defeat | Final match before the international break |
| Champions League opener | Napoli 0-1 Arsenal | Away victory in the 2026-27 league phase |
| Eboue’s title assessment | 75 per cent | His estimate of Arsenal’s chance of winning the league |
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league championship last season and began 2026-27 intending to establish themselves as repeat winners. Their position near the summit reflects a strong run of results overall, although the Brighton defeat provided a sharp reminder of the standard required in a closely contested division.
Eboue, who played for Arsenal from 2004 until 2011, expects a demanding battle involving several strong squads. He said Arsenal’s level of performance gives them a realistic route to another title, placing their prospects at roughly 75 per cent if they maintain their current approach.
Manchester City, managed by Enzo Maresca, lead the table and are viewed as Arsenal’s principal challenger. Eboue also identified Chelsea as a side capable of changing the shape of the race. Xabi Alonso’s team have considerable quality and depth, he said, making them opponents Arsenal must monitor carefully.
“Chelsea are a team Arsenal need to be careful of because they have a lot of very good players,” Eboue said. “The Premier League is going to be very tough, but I believe in what Arteta is doing and I believe in Arsenal.”
European ambition remains intact
Arsenal also began the Champions League season with renewed determination after last term’s painful finish in Budapest. They had completed the league phase with eight wins from eight, only to lose to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
The response was immediate in this campaign, with Arsenal recording a 1-0 victory away to Napoli in their opening European fixture. The result offered an early demonstration of the composure and resilience Arteta has sought to build, particularly in difficult away environments.
Eboue believes the repeated experience of competing at the highest level has changed how Arsenal are regarded across Europe. He said the team have steadily moved closer to major continental success and that their football is now matched by a greater ability to win decisive matches.
“If you keep getting close every year, one day you will win it,” he said. “Before, people would say Arsenal play good football but they don’t win. Now teams are going to be scared when they play against Arsenal.”
Arteta’s work has also made the Emirates Stadium a more difficult venue for visiting sides, with the manager’s tactical demands helping establish a stronger home identity. Eboue offered an unequivocal verdict on the Spaniard’s influence, saying: “I love Arteta. I really like this manager.”
