Wayne Rooney predicts Arsenal and Man City’s remaining Premier League fixtures
With the Premier League season nearing its conclusion, the battle at the top remains finely balanced and far from settled.
Manchester City’s recent win over Arsenal has reignited the contest, shifting momentum in a race that had looked more straightforward just weeks earlier. Arsenal had built a commanding lead, but a dip in form has allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to close the gap to three points, with a game still in hand.
Arsenal backed to respond
Wayne Rooney believes the title race is set for a tense finish, but he is still backing Arsenal to come out on top. Speaking to Metro, the former England striker said Mikel Arteta’s side can win all five of their remaining league matches a run that would likely be enough to secure the title.
That projection includes home fixtures against Newcastle United, Fulham and Burnley, along with away trips to West Ham and Crystal Palace. If Arsenal maintain that level, Rooney expects them to finish on 85 points.
Read also: Boston’s World Cup spotlight meets ICE-agents and arrests
City tipped to fall just short
City, meanwhile, are predicted to fall just short despite a strong run-in. Rooney expects Guardiola’s team to win five of their final six matches but drop points in a difficult away game against Everton a result that could ultimately prove decisive.
Under that scenario, City would end the season on 83 points.
“This title race is not over yet,” Rooney told Metro. “I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come.”
He added that composure will be the defining factor in the closing weeks: “From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best that’s who will win it.”
Read also: F1 officials issue statement ahead of “high-level” meeting over potential 2026 rule changes
Fans could play decisive role
Rooney also highlighted the role supporters could play during the run-in, particularly at Arsenal, where recent frustrations have surfaced in the stands.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he pointed to the reaction following a recent defeat: “I saw them booing the team off the other day. Arsenal have been brilliant all season, and they've hit a little bad run of form.”
He warned that such reactions can have a tangible impact on players, especially at a crucial stage of the season.
“The players have put so much work in day in and day out to be in this position,” he said. “When you lose a game and get booed off, that can affect them.”
Read also: Kurt Angle reacts to Brock Lesnar’s apparent WWE retirement
As the title race enters its final phase, Rooney’s view is clear: results will matter, but mentality on and off the pitch could make the difference.
Sources: Metro, The Wayne Rooney Show, BBC Sport
Read also: Verstappen welcomes FIA talks, but says F1 rules remain broken
