Rooney and Shearer Back Arsenal to Win All Remaining Games and Clinch Premier League Title

Key facts

• Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer both predict Arsenal will win their remaining three Premier League matches.
• Manchester City drew 3-3 with Everton on Monday night, falling five points behind Arsenal.
• Arsenal have a five-point lead over Manchester City with three games left; City have a game in hand.
• Rooney said on his BBC Sport podcast: 'I think Arsenal win all of their games and that’s why I’ve been strong on this and think they win the league.'
• Shearer stated on The Rest is Football that Arsenal will 'win all three games' against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace.
• Rooney noted that Manchester City's players showed pressure against Everton, while Arsenal have been consistent.
• Rooney also praised Arsenal as 'a good club' and questioned why many people 'hate' them.

Title Race Shifts After City's Draw at Everton

Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday night has handed the initiative in the Premier League title race to Arsenal. The result leaves Pep Guardiola's side five points adrift of the Gunners, who have three matches remaining. City, however, still hold a game in hand, meaning the title is not yet decided. Arsenal have been relentless in recent weeks, piling pressure on City by beating Newcastle United and Fulham. The draw at Goodison Park—where City trailed 3-1 with ten minutes left—was the slip-up many had anticipated. Erling Haaland scored his 25th Premier League goal of the season, and Jeremy Doku netted twice, but Everton's Thierno Barry and Jake O'Brien had put the hosts ahead.

Rooney and Shearer Unite in Prediction

Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, two of the Premier League's most decorated former players, have both backed Arsenal to win all their remaining fixtures. Speaking on The Rest is Football, Shearer said: 'No, because I think Arsenal will win all three games.' He added that Mikel Arteta's players are 'five games away from being legends of that football club forever.' Rooney, a five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, echoed that sentiment on his BBC Sport podcast. 'I think Arsenal win all of their games and that’s why I’ve been strong on this and think they win the league,' he said. Rooney had identified City's trip to Everton as a potential stumbling block, noting: 'This was the game I thought Man City might drop points.'

Why Rooney Wants Arsenal to Succeed

Beyond the tactical analysis, Rooney revealed a personal preference for Arsenal to lift the trophy. 'I hope they do, to be honest,' he said on his podcast. The former England captain also addressed the widespread antipathy toward the north London club, asking why many people 'hate' Arsenal while praising them as 'a good club.' Rooney's comments come amid a broader narrative that Arsenal have shed their previous reputation for fragility. He contrasted their consistency with City's fluctuating form: 'Arsenal have been consistent with their performances whereas Man City can be pretty up and down. When City are at their best they’re one of the best teams in Europe.'

Pressure Shifts to Guardiola's Squad

Rooney pointed to the psychological toll of the title race, noting that City's players showed signs of strain at Everton. 'We’ve talked about Arsenal feeling the pressure but we saw it with Man City against Everton. Players like Guehi and Semenyo haven’t won the title before and we saw the pressure,' he said, referring to City's less experienced squad members. Guardiola now faces the challenge of rallying his team while hoping Arsenal slip. City's remaining fixtures include a game in hand, but Rooney believes the Gunners' run-in—against West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace—is manageable. 'I think Arsenal win the title, I think they win every game,' he reiterated.

What Remains at Stake

Arsenal's destiny is in their own hands: win their last three matches and they will be champions for the first time since 2004. For City, a draw at Everton means they must rely on Arsenal dropping points. The title race could be decided as early as next week, depending on results. Rooney's prediction carries weight given his experience in title battles. He concluded: 'It’s not over but I do think they win every game and I hope they do to be honest.' The coming days will reveal whether Arsenal can hold their nerve—or if City can stage another comeback.

The bottom line

• Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer both predict Arsenal will win all remaining league games and claim the title.
• Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton left them five points behind Arsenal, though City have a game in hand.
• Rooney cited Arsenal's consistency and City's pressure-induced mistakes as key factors.
• Rooney expressed hope that Arsenal win the league, calling them 'a good club.'
• Arsenal's remaining opponents are West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace; City's schedule includes a game in hand.
• The title race remains open, but Arsenal control their own destiny.