In the high-stakes chess match of the 2025/26 Premier League title race, Mikel Arteta has just flipped the board.
With Arsenal currently sitting six points clear at the summit, all eyes are on the seismic clash at Anfield this Sunday, February 8th. But if you expected Arteta to offer the usual “may the best team win” platitudes, think again. The Gunners’ boss has sent shockwaves through the league with a prediction that is as cold as it is confident.
The Verdict: “A No Contest”
During a midweek briefing following Arsenal’s Carabao Cup success, Arteta was asked for his thoughts on the impending showdown between his two biggest rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City. His response was anything but diplomatic:
> “It will be a no contest for them on Saturday, it’s an easy win.”
>
While the match actually takes place on Sunday, Arteta’s slip of the tongue (or perhaps a cheeky reference to the psychological battle starting early) hasn’t dampened the impact of his words. By labeling a fixture of this magnitude an “easy win,” Arteta isn’t just predicting a result—he’s signaling that he believes one of these giants has a fundamental flaw that the other is ready to exploit.
Why the Bold Claim?
Arteta’s confidence likely stems from the current state of both squads:
* Manchester City’s Wobble: Pep Guardiola’s side has been uncharacteristically shaky, recently dropping points and surrendering a two-goal lead against Tottenham.
* Liverpool’s Anfield Fortress: Under Arne Slot, the Reds have remained a formidable force at home, even if their overall form has seen “fluctuating results” lately.
* The Arsenal Perspective: From Arteta’s view at the top of the table (91\% title chance according to recent projections), he sees two rivals cannibalizing each other while his squad maintains a clinical edge.
The Statistical Standoff
Heading into Sunday, the numbers tell a story of two teams “too hard to separate” for the bookmakers, but clearly defined in Arteta’s mind.
| Feature | Liverpool | Manchester City |
|—|—|—|
| Recent Form | 1 win in last 6 PL matches | 2 losses, 2 wins, 1 draw (Last 5) |
| Key Strength | Defensive resilience at home | Open-play goal creation (41 goals) |
| League Position | 5th | 2nd |
| Arteta’s View | “Managed to win” in tough spots | “Deserved to win every game” but haven’t |
The Psychological War
This isn’t just about three points; it’s about the narrative. By dismissing the competitiveness of the Liverpool vs. City match, Arteta is effectively:
* Removing Pressure: Shifting the spotlight away from Arsenal’s own match against Sunderland.
* Disrespecting the Rivals: Testing the temperament of Guardiola and Slot.
* Asserting Dominance: Acting like a manager who already has one hand on the trophy.
As the Premier League prepares for Sunday’s 17:30 kick-off, Arteta’s words will undoubtedly be pinned to the dressing room walls at both the Etihad and Anfield. Whether it’s an “easy win” or a tactical bloodbath, the Arsenal manager has made sure that, regardless of the result, he is the one pulling the strings of the conversation.
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