John Terry backs Arsenal to retain Premier League title after Theo Walcott discussion

Chelsea legend John Terry has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League again this season and believes the Gunners have an opportunity to establish a period of dominance. Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the title last season after Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth in May, securing Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's first league championship.

The Gunners have subsequently made a strong start to their defence and sit second in the Premier League after their opening five matches. Manchester City are three points ahead after winning all five of their games, leaving another potential battle between the two clubs developing at the top of the table.

However, Terry believes Arsenal remain best placed to finish above his former club Chelsea and retain their crown. Speaking alongside former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott on TikTok, Terry was asked which of their former teams would finish higher this season.

"Unfortunately, it will be Arsenal," Terry said. "We're still a couple of years from competing for a title.

"Arsenal have the chance to dominate the Premier League." Terry's assessment represents notable praise from one of the most decorated players in Chelsea's history and comes after Arsenal finally converted several years of title challenges into silverware last season. Arteta's team had finished second in three successive campaigns before eventually overcoming City during 2025/26.

Their championship was built around another formidable defensive record, with Arsenal having progressively developed one of Europe's deepest squads. They strengthened again during the summer as Arteta sought to ensure last season's success represented the beginning rather than the culmination of the project.

Arsenal also defeated City 3-0 in the Community Shield before beginning their league campaign, although Enzo Maresca's side have responded by making a perfect Premier League start. City's opening five victories have altered the early picture, but Arsenal remain firmly among the leading contenders despite suffering their first league defeat against Brighton immediately before the international break.

Terry nevertheless believes the foundations are already in place for Arsenal to extend their success beyond one championship. Coming from a five-time Premier League winner who captained Chelsea through their own dominant periods, his assessment provides another indication of how perceptions of Arteta's Arsenal have changed.

The challenge now is turning Terry's prediction into successive titles, something Arsenal have not achieved since Arsene Wenger's side won the league in 2001/02 and 2003/04."