According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday November 11, 2026, former Arsenal defender William Gallas believes Manchester City are the only team capable of seriously challenging the Gunners for the Premier League title this season.

Arsenal have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign and currently sit five points clear at the top of the table following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hull City.

Mikel Arteta's side have demonstrated impressive consistency in recent weeks, winning their last five league matches as they continue their pursuit of another Premier League championship.

Manchester City, who have traditionally been Arsenal's biggest competitors in the title race, have experienced a difficult period after suffering three consecutive league defeats.

Pep Guardiola's side have consequently dropped to third position, with Brighton moving above them into second place following their impressive 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Brighton have been one of the biggest surprises of the campaign, recording victories against both Arsenal and Manchester City while establishing themselves as serious contenders for a place in the Champions League positions.

However, Gallas does not believe the Seagulls will necessarily maintain their impressive form until the end of the season.

Speaking to Tribal Football, the former Arsenal defender acknowledged Brighton's progress but suggested that the demands of a lengthy Premier League campaign could eventually affect their performances.

'It will be very interesting to see if they can maintain that performance until the end of the season, but we know the second part is always the most difficult time for any club,' Gallas said.

He then made his prediction about the title race, insisting that Arsenal and Manchester City are the two teams most likely to battle for the championship.

'Right now, it looks like only those two teams, Arsenal and Manchester City, are really going to fight for the title.'

Gallas' comments indicate that he still considers City a major threat despite their recent disappointing results.

The former defender understands the experience and quality Guardiola's team possess, particularly when it comes to recovering from difficult periods and putting together winning runs during the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Gallas was full of praise for Arsenal's defensive performances under Arteta.

The Gunners have conceded just five goals after ten Premier League matches, establishing themselves as one of the strongest defensive teams in the competition.

Their defensive organisation has been particularly impressive, with the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes playing important roles at the heart of the backline.

However, Gallas believes Arsenal's defensive success should not be credited to their defenders alone.

He suggested that the entire team deserves recognition, particularly the attacking players who contribute to the club's pressing and defensive responsibilities.

'They have conceded just five goals, and that is going to be the question from everyone: how many goals will they concede this season?' he added.

The former France international also recalled Arsenal's difficulties in maintaining their defensive standards during the second half of last season.

He believes the current team looks much stronger and has the necessary organisation to avoid a similar drop in performance.

'Last season, I know everybody was talking about them conceding maybe less than 15 goals, but in the second part of the season, it was difficult for Arsenal. Right now, they look really, really strong.'