Arsenal have overtaken Manchester City as the bookies’ favourites to win the Premier League title this season, following a dramatic weekend that saw Mikel Arteta’s side secure a crucial victory while City dropped points once again.
The Gunners’ come-from-behind 2-1 win against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium, combined with City’s 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United, has shifted the momentum in the title race.
Arsenal’s recent form tilts the odds
Arsenal’s recent performances have clearly impressed, as they managed to pick up three points against Leicester with two late goals, showcasing their resilience and determination.
This result came just a week after an impressive 2-2 draw away at Manchester City, where Arsenal played the entire second half with 10 men and were only denied victory by a late equaliser from John Stones.
It’s these types of performances that have caught the eye of bookmakers, who have now placed Arsenal as the 5/4 favourites to finish the season as champions, ahead of City at 7/4, according to Ladbrokes.
The shift in betting odds is significant, as Arsenal were initially priced at 11/8 to win the league, showing how quickly their strong start has altered perceptions.
In comparison, City have seen their odds drift, with the defending champions now trailing Arsenal in the bookies’ rankings.
Premier League title odds (Ladbrokes)
- Arsenal – 5/4
- Man City – 7/4
- Liverpool – 4/1
- Chelsea – 12/1
Arsenal’s unbeaten run talk resurfaces
Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season has not only put them in pole position for the title but also sparked talk of whether they could replicate their iconic 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign.
Betting specials are now being offered, with odds of 33/1 on Arsenal finishing the season without a single defeat. This would make them the first side in Premier League history to achieve the feat twice, matching the unbeaten campaign led by Arsène Wenger, when Arsenal went 26 wins and 12 draws to finish the season with 90 points.
Interestingly, Manchester City share the same odds at 33/1 to go unbeaten, despite currently trailing in the standings.
While it’s still early in the season, both clubs have displayed the quality and consistency needed to challenge for such an achievement, but Arsenal’s favourable run of fixtures in the coming weeks could see them maintain their strong momentum.
Early season form builds confidence
Arsenal’s start to the 2024/25 season has been one of their best in recent years. A 2-2 draw against the reigning champions Manchester City and an impressive away victory against Tottenham have been among the standout results in their opening six fixtures.
With Liverpool currently sitting top of the table but listed as third favourites at 4/1, the betting markets clearly see Arsenal’s consistency as a key factor in their rising status as title contenders.
Mikel Arteta’s side has also been boosted by a relatively easier run of fixtures on paper in the coming weeks, offering an opportunity to build a significant lead before the busier winter period.
The performances of key players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been pivotal, with Arsenal’s midfield showing resilience and creativity, while their defence has managed to stay strong against some of the league’s top attacking threats.
The impact of Manchester City’s injury woes
Another factor influencing the bookmakers’ odds is the recent injury to City’s key player, Rodri.
The midfielder’s absence has been felt in their last two fixtures, where City struggled to dominate in the middle of the park.
The injury has raised questions about City’s depth and ability to maintain their performance levels without such a crucial figure, and this has no doubt contributed to Arsenal’s rise to favourites in the betting markets.
How the other contenders stack up
Despite Arsenal and Manchester City being the clear favourites, Liverpool remain in contention with odds of 4/1 according to Paddy Power.
They currently sit at the top of the Premier League table but have not convinced the bookies to the same extent as Arsenal or City.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are further back at 12/1, still finding their feet under a new manager, and Tottenham, who have had a solid start, are priced at 50/1.
Aston Villa are even further out at 66/1, indicating that the title race is expected to be a two-horse contest between Arsenal and City, with Liverpool as the potential wildcard.
The road ahead
While it’s still early days in the Premier League season, Arsenal have certainly made a statement of intent.
Their performances against top opposition and their ability to grind out results when it matters have shifted the narrative, making them the team to watch in the title race.
If they continue in this vein, the odds of 5/4 could shorten even further, and the possibility of another ‘Invincibles’ campaign might not seem so far-fetched after all.
For now, Arsenal fans will relish being the favourites, but as history has shown, the Premier League title is never won in October.
The Gunners will need to maintain their momentum and consistency to end their 20-year wait for the trophy, but the early signs suggest Mikel Arteta’s side is well-equipped for the challenge.