Can Arsenal Win Their First EPL Title in 22 Years?

Arsenal went into this year's EPL as the second favourites with the bookies. Over the last three seasons, they've also started as second favourites to win the league. Liverpool, as defending champions, are already out of the race. However, Manchester City—who began the campaign as favourites—are clawing their way back into contention after an inconsistent start.

The idea that Arsenal will be able to hold it together until May remains doubtful, according to many football fans. In recent seasons, they've appeared well positioned only to fall short.

Admittedly, they've had Pep Guardiola's City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to contend with — two of the great EPL teams of the modern era. But with Klopp no longer in the picture and City looking less invincible than in years gone by, have the stars finally aligned for Arsenal to break their 22-year drought?

Following the odds

The global nature of the gambling market has led to significant fluctuations in outright EPL odds. It's no longer just domestic bookmakers shaping the market; global providers and innovative fintech payment options have increased competition and pricing variance compared to 20 or 30 years ago.

As global markets reshape domestic betting, the impact isn't limited to the EPL. Similar patterns have emerged across international casino gaming markets.

Bitcoin is now widely accepted in betting markets and has permeated every level, from major sports to traditional casino games like poker. Ignition Poker Australia is one example of how these advances have created a new dynamic. Just as the EPL attracts a global audience that builds international communities, the same expansion has occurred across crypto betting markets.

If you look at social media sentiment and betting markets, Arsenal are in the ascendancy. City remain close behind, with their April 19 clash at the Etihad potentially decisive. However, markets can shift quickly depending on player form, suspensions and the fixture schedule.

What do the bookies actually say?

At the time of writing, it is fair to say the title is Arsenal's to lose. They sit four points clear of City. However, with 12 games remaining and only a handful of points likely separating the top two, it is far from decided.

Arsenal are trading around 1/3 with most bookmakers, while City sit near 3/1. Guardiola's side surged through the Christmas period and early 2026 to maintain pressure on Arteta's squad.

Despite Manchester City having 110 serious charges hanging over their head, they were still active in the January transfer window, signing Guehi and Semenyo. The situation has not appeared to derail their title push.

City may have momentum, but Arsenal have shown resilience in matches they might have lost in previous seasons. Fitness and suspensions could prove decisive for both sides. Martin Odegaard has admitted Arsenal have an extra incentive this year after narrowly missing out on the EPL title multiple times this decade.

Being chased by a relentlessly consistent City side can feel inevitable. For Arsenal, overcoming the psychological hurdle of previous near misses may be just as important as tactical execution.

The verdict

Mikel Arteta understands the stakes. A club of Arsenal's stature going more than two decades without lifting the English Premier League trophy weighs heavily on supporters.

While Arteta has delivered an FA Cup, sustaining excellence over 38 league matches is a different challenge. At this stage, the numbers suggest it remains Arsenal's title to lose.