Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title if Manchester City lose their appeal against the guilty verdict over alleged financial regulation breaches.

According to a report by Metro on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Cole believes Manchester City could still emerge as champions if their legal challenge is successful. However, he considers Arsenal the favourites to retain their crown if the original ruling remains in place.

Manchester City were found guilty by an independent commission of more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations covering the period between 2009 and 2018.

The investigation concluded that the club had used arrangements described as “sham contracts” to overstate their revenues and reduce reported expenses.

City have since challenged the verdict, arguing that the commission made “clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe”. The club also maintain that they have substantial evidence to support their appeal.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City remain level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table after eight matches.

However, City’s recent performances have raised concerns, with the champions suffering two defeats in their last five matches since the verdict was announced. Their latest disappointment came on Saturday when Aston Villa claimed a 2-1 victory, handing them their first league loss of the campaign.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have responded positively to their unexpected 3-0 defeat against Brighton before the international break. Mikel Arteta’s men have since registered three successive Premier League victories and secured an entertaining 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Cole explained that the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal could have a significant influence on the title race.

When asked to predict the Premier League champions, the former England international replied: “I think Arsenal.”

He added: “If Man City’s lawyers go to work, they win the league. The lawyers are the most important people in this right now! If not it’s Arsenal and everyone else is just catching up.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has also tipped Arsenal as favourites, highlighting the strength of their squad depth and starting eleven, although he has expressed some reservations about their attacking options.

Attention now turns to a crucial weekend of Premier League action, with Arsenal travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, while Manchester City welcome Brighton on Saturday.

Both fixtures could have a significant impact on the early title race as Arsenal and City look to establish themselves as the leading contenders.