Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal as Premier League Champions
Opta's supercomputer has updated its prediction for the 2025/26 Premier League champion after Arsenal moved six points above Manchester City at the top of the table. The Gunners defeated Fulham 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with a first-half brace from Viktor Gyokeres and a third goal from Bukayo Saka. This victory extended Arsenal's lead to six points, although Manchester City have two games in hand.
The dramatic shift in the title race comes after Arsenal reclaimed the lead within a week, following wins over Newcastle United and Fulham. Manchester City had briefly moved to the top after beating Burnley but have been inactive in the league since then, allowing Arsenal to regain control.
Updated Title Probabilities
According to The Analyst, Opta's supercomputer now gives Arsenal a 79.85% chance of winning the title, up by about seven percent from before the weekend's matches. Manchester City's chances have dropped to 20.15%, reflecting their inactivity and the pressure ahead of their two games in hand.
The Citizens will have an opportunity to close the gap when they travel to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, May 4, 2026. If they win, their title chances could improve, but they still need to win all remaining matches and rely on Arsenal dropping points to secure the title on tiebreakers.
Mikel Arteta's Reaction
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed delight after the victory over Fulham, emphasizing the message it sends to the dressing room. "It says to us and to our dressing room that we keep the dream alive," he said as quoted by Arsenal.com. "What these guys have done, not now but throughout the season, to win that many games, in the circumstances that we had to do it, without so many players not available at times, is remarkable, so it's great because I think it's going to help for Tuesday."
Other Premier League Developments
Manchester United secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season after beating Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Tottenham climbed out of the relegation zone with a win over Aston Villa.
In related news, former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi warned Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to avoid costly mistakes that could derail their title challenge, noting signs of pressure compared to Pep Guardiola's calm demeanor at Manchester City.
