If Manchester City are going to win the Premier League this season, they will have to do something special. As it stands, they are not the best team. Arsenal are the most consistent, most solid, and clearly have the best squad in the league.
However, Softfootball believes it would be a mistake to write off Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, and City’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. These three figures understand the game deeply and know exactly what is required in the final 5–6 matches of a title race.
Pep Guardiola’s presence alone is a factor Arsenal must be cautious of. His ability to find solutions when they are most needed, combined with his winning mentality, has defined Manchester City’s dominance over the years.
Haaland also remains a massive threat. As of Tuesday, 10th February 2026, he has scored at 23 of the 24 Premier League stadiums he has played in, underlining his consistency and dominance as a centre forward.
City also boast other top characters such as Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Rodri. But Softfootball believes the manager, the goalkeeper, and the centre forward are the three pillars capable of swinging the title race in City’s favour and causing Arsenal serious problems.
With City currently six points behind Arsenal and facing Fulham next, there is no room for error. The final 13 matches will be intense, and if City are to truly challenge Arsenal, perfection will be required from this point onward.
