According to a report by Metro on November 2, 2026, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has identified Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea as the three sides capable of challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title this season, despite backing Mikel Arteta's team to defend their crown.

Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday after recording a crucial 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the first half to secure all three points for the Gunners in a difficult away fixture.

The result became even more important after Manchester City suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Brighton, allowing Arsenal to capitalise and move back to the top of the standings.

Arsenal's performance at Anfield further strengthened Gerrard's belief that Arteta's side have the quality to win the Premier League for a second consecutive season. The former England international praised their determination, organisation and ability to grind out results even when they are not playing at their best.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard explained that securing difficult away victories could make a major difference in deciding the title race.

He said: “Credit to Arsenal because that’s how you win leagues, going to places like Liverpool, being strong, sticking together, and putting in a different type of performance.”

Gerrard also stood by his prediction that Arsenal would finish the campaign as Premier League champions, suggesting that their victory at Anfield could prove to be one of the defining moments of their season.

He further pointed out that Liverpool still have significant ground to make up if they want to challenge for the title, particularly with the nine-point gap separating them from Arsenal at the time of his comments.

Despite backing Arsenal to retain their title, Gerrard believes Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will emerge as their main challengers as the campaign progresses.

He argued that the quality and depth within those squads could become decisive over the demanding 38-game season.

Brighton have also impressed with their performances this term, including their notable victory over Manchester City.

Gerrard recognised the quality of Fabian Hurzeler's team and praised their fearless approach, suggesting they have a genuine opportunity to compete for a place in the Premier League's top four.

However, he does not believe Brighton have the squad depth required to maintain a title challenge throughout the campaign.

He said: “I just think where Arsenal’s squad is, and City’s, the Liverpool squad, I just think over the course of the 38 games, the three teams, and Chelsea, when you look at Chelsea in the second half there, I think them teams will pull away a bit over the course.”