According to a report by Metro on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, William Gallas, a former Arsenal defender, thinks that, despite Brighton's strong start to the season, only Manchester City can challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Brighton still has the rest of the season to prove their consistency, but according to Gallas, Arsenal and Manchester City will be the main contenders in the title race.

After Saturday's 1-0 win over Hull City at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal jumped to the top of the Premier League table by five points.

Meanwhile, following three straight league losses under Enzo Maresca, Manchester City have fallen to third place.

After beating Brentford 2-0, Brighton jumped into second place, capitalizing on City's bad run.

With victories over Arsenal and Manchester City under Fabian Hurzeler's belt, this season has been fantastic.

But Gallas thinks it will be very difficult to keep up their present level of play all season long.

The ex-defender cast doubt on Brighton's ability to maintain their current level of play in an interview with Tribal Football, noting that clubs typically struggle in the second half of the season.

He went on to say that he still thinks Arsenal and Manchester City will be championship contenders.

With Mikel Arteta's squad allowing just five goals in their first ten league matches, Gallas also lauded Arsenal's defensive organization.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal defender thinks the Gunners' defensive prowess is due more to the team's overall performance than to the defenders' individual efforts.

He went on to praise Arsenal's wingers and forwards, saying that they alleviate pressure on the defense with their defensive work.

When Arsenal travel to St. James' Park to face Newcastle United in the Premier League following the international break, they will be looking to extend their winning streak to six matches in a row.