Paul Scholes Makes Bold Claim About Two Arsenal Stars in New Title Prediction

Paul Scholes backs Man City to win the Premier League title in his latest prediction, claiming their goalkeeper and centre-backs are stronger than Arsenal.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has reignited the Premier League title debate with a prediction that will frustrate Arsenal supporters.

Despite the Gunners holding a five-point lead at the top of the table, Scholes believes Manchester City will edge Mikel Arteta’s side to the crown — and his reasoning centres on one decisive factor: defensive quality.

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Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former England midfielder argued that City now possess superiority in two crucial positions — goalkeeper and centre-back.

“Arsenal probably should [win the league], but I’m basing my decision on now who has the best goalkeeper and who has the best two centre-halves and I think it’s just City,” Scholes said.

The claim will raise eyebrows given Arsenal’s defensive consistency this season, but Scholes insists City’s recent reinforcements have shifted the balance.

Donnarumma and Guehi Tipped as Difference-Makers

Scholes pointed to City’s January additions as transformative signings.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and defender Marc Guehi have added renewed solidity to Pep Guardiola’s back line. Guehi has formed a composed partnership with Ruben Dias, while Donnarumma’s presence between the posts has provided big-game assurance.

In contrast, Scholes believes Arsenal’s trio of David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães — though impressive — are no longer the league’s strongest defensive core.

Arsenal remain five points clear after their recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea. However, dropped points against Brentford and Wolves have kept the door open for City, who also hold a game in hand.

The title race could ultimately hinge on the late-April showdown at the Etihad Stadium — a fixture that may define the season.

Yet Scholes went even further, suggesting neither side has fully convinced him.

“If I had to pick one of them, it would be City,” he added. “Whoever wins the league, you always say they deserved it. I’m struggling to find which team deserves it.”

It’s a remark that will no doubt spark strong reactions among both fanbases.

Scholes’ assessment is particularly controversial because Arsenal’s centre-back pairing carries a strong reputation.

Saliba and Gabriel stand out as one of Europe’s most complete defensive duos. Saliba has already entered Player of the Season discussions, while Raya has impressed since taking over as first-choice goalkeeper.

For many supporters, Arsenal’s defensive resilience has been the foundation of their title charge — not a weakness.

Final Stretch Set for Drama

With just over two months remaining, the Premier League race remains finely poised.

City face a crucial run-in as they chase down Arsenal’s lead, while Arteta’s side aim to maintain composure in what could be a defining period for this generation.

According to Scholes, defensive strength will ultimately determine where the trophy lands.

Arsenal fans will hope he is wrong.

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