Alan Smith backs Arsenal to still lift the Premier League despite a recent three-game wobble and a 3-2 defeat that cut their lead to four points. Punters might still favour Arsenal for the title but should note their scoring struggles from open play — consider title bets with hedges like "Arsenal to win league" and match markets such as BTTS or Leeds to score in the upcoming away game.
Alan Smith: Arsenal still favourites for the Premier League despite scoring worries
Arsenal's recent stutter — three faltering results in succession — has not convinced former striker Alan Smith that the title race is over. Despite a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United that reduced their lead to four points, Smith believes the Gunners remain best placed to claim the trophy.
Emphatic defeat at the Emirates and title implications
Arsenal started well against United, taking the lead when Lisandro Martínez turned the ball into his own net. Manchester United, however, responded with two outstanding strikes from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha to overturn the deficit and secure all three points. The result leaves Arsenal with work to do but still in pole position as the run-in approaches.
Defence remains strong but attack is a concern
One constant this season has been Arsenal’s defensive solidity — only 17 goals conceded in the league so far — yet growing unease revolves around their attacking output. The side ranks low for goals from open play, with just 20, and have been increasingly reliant on set-pieces. That imbalance has fuelled debate about whether Mikel Arteta needs to tinker with personnel or formation.
Odegaard’s form and the case for Eze
Captain Martin Ødegaard has struggled to replicate the highs that once placed him among the Premier League’s elite, managing only one goal and three assists in the league recently. Managerial action saw Ødegaard replaced by Eberechi Eze in the second half, and there are growing calls for Eze to be given an extended run to inject creativity and goals into Arsenal’s midfield.
Tough fixtures ahead: Leeds and Sunderland
Arsenal travel to Elland Road this weekend for a notoriously hostile test against Leeds, followed by a home clash with Sunderland. Both games present potential banana skins; Smith warned that a title-winning side must be capable of grinding out results away from home, particularly after a sequence of underwhelming performances.
What this means for bettors
From a wagering perspective, Arsenal remain an attractive long-term title bet given squad depth and defensive record. Short-term markets, however, should reflect their attacking fragility: consider combining long-term Arsenal bets with match markets such as BTTS or Leeds to score in the next fixture, and look at handicap or draw-no-bet options to manage risk while the Gunners search for consistency.
Managerial choices likely to shape the run-in
Smith believes Arteta may need to tweak his system and personnel to restore balance. Whether that means starting Eze over Ødegaard or altering forward options remains to be seen, but selection decisions in the coming weeks could determine whether Arsenal convert their current position into a first league title in decades.
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