Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 4 December 2025 19:07, UK

Arsenal strengthened their position as the early favourites for the Premier League title after beating Brentford on Wednesday.

Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka saw Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, restoring their five-point lead over Manchester City.

The Gunners had struggled in their draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week, but bounced back well in the face of the defiant Bees.

Chelsea lost 3-1 to Leeds on Wednesday, in a result that served as a serious blow to Enzo Maresca‘s hopes of an unexpected title charge.

But Manchester City beat Fulham 5-4 on Tuesday, in a sensational game that kept Pep Guardiola‘s team hot on the tails of Arsenal.

Supercomputer gives Arsenal massive chance of ending 22-year wait

Despite only just over a third of this season’s Premier League fixtures having been played, every game has already begun to feel crucial in the title race.

Saturday will see another key clash take place at Villa Park, with Arsenal set to take on Aston Villa in the early kick-off.

Unai Emery‘s side experienced a shocking start to the season but have bounced back into form, winning 12 of their last 14 games across all competitions.

Victory over the Gunners would see them go within three points of the top spot, although a tough test awaits.

Opta‘s Supercomputer has given Villa a 2.66 per cent chance of winning the Premier League this season, while Manchester City carry a 11.9 per cent chance of returning to the top step of the podium.

Champions Liverpool now enjoy just a 0.89 per cent prospect of retaining their title this season in the supercomputer’s eyes.

But, with an overwhelming 82.13 per cent chance, Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Arsenal will ignore favourites tag

For every year that Arsenal have competed for the Premier League title, Mikel Arteta has refused to accept the favourites tag.

The Spaniard continues to insist that his team must take each game as it comes, with each and every three points set to be equally important when Maytime arrives.

Quietly, however, the Gunners will be confident. Strong performances and key signings have left Arsenal in a superb position going into the New Year.

Injuries have threatened to rock the ship, but Arsenal have remained resolute, with players set to return in the coming weeks.

Real talking will be done on the pitch, however, and the Gunners will be critically aware that even one slip could see the title snatched away once more.