Key Points
- Paul Scholes, Manchester United icon, claimed Arsenal would be “the worst team to ever win the Premier League” if they secure the title this season.
- Arsenal currently top the Premier League table with a four-point lead over Manchester City under Mikel Arteta.
- The Gunners have struggled recently, earning just two points from their last three league matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
- Scholes believes only one Arsenal player would make a Premier League team of the season, specifically none from their front four.
- Scholes made these remarks on the podcast The Good, the Bad and the Football.
- Arsenal are favourites to win the title despite their recent wobbles ahead of the run-in.
Arsenal (North London News) January 28, 2026 – Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations face fresh scrutiny following outspoken comments from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. The Gunners sit atop the table with a four-point advantage over Manchester City, but recent poor form has invited doubt about their credentials.
Scholes delivered his bold verdict on the podcast The Good, the Bad and the Football. Speaking candidly, he stated:
“If Arsenal win the league, this could be the worst team to win the league. If you’re thinking of picking a team of the season and picking the front four, nobody from the Arsenal team gets in that.”
The remarks come amid Arsenal’s shaky run, where they collected just two points from their last three Premier League outings. This dismal streak includes a dramatic 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the weekend, which has heightened pressure on Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Who is Paul Scholes and Why Does His Opinion Matter?
Paul Scholes, a Manchester United icon with 11 Premier League titles to his name, carries significant weight in football discourse. His post-retirement analysis on platforms like The Good, the Bad and the Football often sparks debate due to his direct style and deep game knowledge.
As reported in the Mirror by their football news team, Scholes questioned Arsenal’s overall quality despite their position. He specifically highlighted their front four as not warranting inclusion in a league team of the season, implying a lack of standout performers.
Scholes’ comments reflect a broader narrative among pundits about Arsenal’s reliance on defensive solidity rather than flair. Only one unnamed Arsenal star, per Scholes, would merit selection in an elite XI, underscoring his view of their mediocrity.
How Has Arsenal Performed This Season?
Arsenal have dominated much of the campaign, establishing a four-point lead over nearest rivals Manchester City. Mikel Arteta has instilled resilience, positioning the North London side as title favourites.
However, recent weeks tell a different story. The Gunners managed just two points from their last three Premier League games, exposing vulnerabilities. The late 3-2 defeat to Manchester United exemplified their struggles, with Cunha and Carrick featuring prominently in match reports.
Despite these setbacks, Arsenal remain poised to challenge over the run-in. Arteta’s tactical acumen has kept them ahead, but Scholes’ critique targets their perceived lack of elite attacking threat.
What Did Paul Scholes Specifically Say About Arsenal’s Front Four?
Scholes was unequivocal in his assessment during the podcast. He declared:
“If you’re thinking of picking a team of the season and picking the front four, nobody from the Arsenal team gets in that.”
This statement directly challenges the potency of Arsenal’s forwards.
As covered by the Mirror’s sport football news desk, Scholes extended this to claim an Arsenal title win would mark them as the “worst team” historically. His words:
“If Arsenal win the league, this could be the worst team to win the league.”
These quotes, attributed verbatim to Scholes on The Good, the Bad and the Football, have ignited discussions across football media. No other pundit has matched this level of severity yet, making Scholes the focal point.
Why Are Arsenal Considered Title Favourites Despite Recent Wobbles?
Bookmakers and analysts still list Arsenal as favourites to lift the Premier League trophy. Their position at the summit, four points clear of Manchester City, provides a strong foundation entering the run-in.
Mikel Arteta’s management has transformed Arsenal into consistent performers. Even with the recent dip—two points from three games—they hold an advantage over rivals.
The Manchester United defeat, a 3-2 thriller, highlighted flaws but not fatal ones. Scholes’ dismissal notwithstanding, Arsenal’s overall campaign metrics support their frontrunner status.
What Recent Form Has Led to Scholes’ Doubts?
Arsenal’s form has faltered, with just two points from their last three league matches. This run includes the crushing 3-2 loss to Manchester United, detailed in Mirror match reports as a late collapse.
The Gunners’ wobbles have allowed rivals breathing room, prompting Scholes’ intervention. Taking points off Manchester United at the weekend proved elusive, amplifying concerns ahead of crucial fixtures.
Scholes tied this directly to his “worst team” narrative, arguing their inconsistencies undermine title credentials. The podcast discussion framed this as a pattern, not an anomaly.
Who Else Might Make a Premier League Team of the Season According to Scholes?
Scholes implied a crowded field for team of the season spots, excluding Arsenal’s front four entirely. He suggested only one Gunner overall would feature, without naming them explicitly.
This selective praise underscores his critique: Arsenal lack depth in key areas. As per the Mirror’s coverage, Scholes envisions other clubs dominating selections.
Football fans and analysts have speculated on his lone Arsenal pick, possibly a defender given their strengths. Scholes’ United bias adds context, but his record lends credibility.
Is This the First Time Scholes Has Criticised Arsenal?
Paul Scholes has a history of forthright takes on Arsenal. His latest comments echo past scepticism about their title bids under Arteta.
On The Good, the Bad and the Football, this episode marked a peak in negativity. Mirror journalists noted it as Scholes questioning credentials “seriously ahead of the run-in.”
Arsenal’s top spot tempers the sting, but Scholes’ persistence fuels rivalry narratives. Neutral observers value his insight from 718 United appearances.
How Have Arsenal Responded to Scholes’ Claims?
No official response from Arsenal or Mikel Arteta has emerged as of January 28, 2026. The club focuses on on-pitch matters amid the title race.
Scholes’ remarks, amplified by Mirror sharing links on Facebook and X, have trended online. Fan reactions split along club lines, with Gunners dismissing it as bias.
Arteta’s pre-match briefings typically avoid pundit spats, prioritising performance. The Manchester City gap remains key to silencing doubters like Scholes.
What Does the Premier League Table Look Like Now?
Arsenal lead with a four-point buffer over Manchester City. This margin persists despite the Gunners’ recent two-point haul from three games.
The table reflects Arteta’s progress since taking charge. Scholes’ podcast intervention challenges sustainability into May.
Rivals lurk, but Arsenal’s position validates their favouritism. The run-in will test Scholes’ prophecy.
Could Arsenal Prove Scholes Wrong by Winning the Title?
Victory would end a 20-year drought for Arsenal, their last under Arsene Wenger. Scholes’ “worst team” tag would face historical scrutiny.
Even triumph might not sway him, given his team of the season stance. Mirror coverage positions this as motivation for Arteta’s charges.
North London buzzes with optimism tempered by Scholes’ barb. The campaign’s climax looms large.
Broader Context: Pundit Views on the Title Race
Scholes joins a chorus questioning Arsenal post their United loss. Other outlets echo form concerns, though none match his hyperbole.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have noted wobbles, but praise defensive metrics. Scholes stands out for extremity.
The Good, the Bad and the Football episode, as cited by Mirror, dissected Arsenal’s front four flaws in detail. This fuels People Also Ask queries on their credentials.
Impact on Arsenal Fans and Rivalries
Gunners supporters decry Scholes’ United allegiance colouring his view. Social shares via Mirror links show heated exchanges.
The 3-2 United defeat stings anew. North London News tracks this as classic mind games ahead of derbies.
Neutrality prevails: Scholes opines from experience. Arsenal’s response lies in silverware.
