Former England midfielder Steven Gerrard has backed Arsenal to retain the Premier League title following their 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, November 1, 2026, which moved Mikel Arteta’s side three points clear at the top of the table. Speaking on Football365, Gerrard argued that the hard-fought away win demonstrated the grit and tactical flexibility required to claim a 38-game championship.
While assessing the wider title landscape, Gerrard maintained his pre-season prediction that the Gunners will finish the campaign as champions. He noted that grinding out results at difficult venues like Anfield often proves more decisive over the course of a season than commanding wide-margin victories. The victory capitalized on a difficult weekend for Manchester City, who dropped points following a defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium, compounding an earlier loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The Chasing Pack and Squad Depth
Beyond Arsenal, Gerrard identified Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool as the three clubs equipped with the squad depth necessary to separate themselves from the rest of the league over the 38-match schedule. TheNiche reported that the former Liverpool captain singled out these specific organizations during an appearance on The Overlap Daily podcast, pointing to their overall quality and resilience as the key differentiator over an arduous campaign.
Liverpool currently sit nine points behind the league leaders, leaving them with significant ground to make up if they intend to mount a sustained championship challenge. However, Gerrard praised the tactical adjustments implemented by the coaching staff at Anfield under Andoni Iraola, noting that the team is displaying much greater competitiveness, restricting opponents effectively, and showing vastly improved defensive organization compared to previous stretches.
Gerrard emphasized that securing victories through defensive resilience and unity rather than expansive attacking displays separates successful champions from mere contenders. Pointing specifically to Arsenal’s performance at Anfield, he highlighted how navigating hostile atmospheres and tight scorelines builds the psychological foundation needed to sustain a title defense across winter and spring fixture congestion.
Brighton’s Contender Status Scrutinized
Addressing the strong early-season form of third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, Gerrard expressed doubts over whether the south-coast club could maintain a title challenge across the full duration of the season. While acknowledging their high-intensity style under Fabian Hürzeler and their status as one of the most dangerous sides in the division, he predicted the Seagulls would eventually slip back from the summit.
Rather than competing for the championship, Gerrard framed Brighton as genuine contenders for a top-four finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. He emphasized that the physical and mental demands of navigating a 38-game calendar typically favor squads with greater historical depth and resource reserves, leaving clubs like Brighton to battle for European qualification places while operating without fear against elite opposition.
Tactical Realities and the Long-Term Outlook
The evolving title race highlights the shifting dynamics of the Premier League table as clubs approach the grueling winter period. With Manchester City attempting to recover from consecutive defeats, Chelsea demonstrating renewed strength in the second half of matches, and Liverpool seeking to close a nine-point deficit, the margins for error at the summit remain exceptionally slim.
Gerrard’s analysis underscores the importance of adaptability. Teams capable of winning ugly, managing defensive transitions, and rotating squads through injuries will ultimately dictate the pace at the top. As Arsenal prepare to defend their position at the head of the standings, the chasing pack faces mounting pressure to string together consistent winning runs to prevent the leading group from pulling away permanently before the final stretch of the season.