Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has identified Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea as the strongest teams capable of challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title this season, although he remains convinced that Mikel Arteta's side will successfully defend their championship.

According to a report by Metro on Monday, November 2, 2026, Gerrard maintained his confidence in Arsenal after their impressive 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Kai Havertz scored the winning goal in the first half, helping the Gunners secure three important points away from home.

Arsenal's victory became even more significant following Manchester City's unexpected 1-0 defeat against Brighton. The result allowed Arteta's team to move back to the top of the Premier League standings.

Reacting to Arsenal's performance, Gerrard praised the team's determination, discipline and ability to grind out results in difficult matches. Speaking on The Overlap Daily, the former England international explained that winning challenging away fixtures is an important requirement for teams hoping to become champions.

He said: “Credit to Arsenal because that’s how you win leagues, going to places like Liverpool, being strong, sticking together, and putting in a different type of performance.”

Gerrard also suggested that Liverpool would need to improve considerably to close the nine-point gap separating them from Arsenal at the time of his comments.

While acknowledging Brighton's impressive performances under Fabian Hurzeler, he questioned whether the club possessed enough squad depth to maintain a serious title challenge throughout the season. He nevertheless recognised their potential to compete for a place among the league's top four.

Explaining why he expects certain clubs to pull away from their competitors, Gerrard added: “I just think where Arsenal’s squad is, and City’s, the Liverpool squad, I just think over the course of the 38 games, the three teams, and Chelsea, when you look at Chelsea in the second half there, I think them teams will pull away a bit over the course.”

Despite recognising the threats posed by Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, Gerrard continues to favour Arsenal as his prediction for this season's Premier League champions.