When Ashley Cole stepped onto the stage at the Premier League Hall of Fame induction ceremony London on November 5, 2025, few expected his most striking comment to be about Manchester United Football Club. Yet there it was — the former Arsenal left-back, now part of England’s coaching staff under Thomas Tuchel, declared the Red Devils a legitimate threat to dethrone the league leaders. "Manchester United, could they put on a good run?" Cole said during his Sky Sports interview. "I would never ever write Liverpool off, but so far Arsenal are looking very, very strong." The twist? United were languishing in 10th place at the time. But Cole wasn’t just being provocative. He was speaking as a man who’s seen it all — from the Arsenal Football Club "Invincibles" to the chaos of Old Trafford under multiple managers.
Arsenal’s Immense Rise Under Arteta
What Cole called "immense" isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a statistical reality. As of November 5, 2025, Arsenal Football Club sits atop the Premier League with 31 points from 13 matches, six clear of Manchester City Football Club. Their defensive record? Just four goals conceded all season — the best in the top five European leagues. They’ve won seven straight league games. Against Burnley Football Club at Turf Moor, they controlled the tempo like a symphony. Then came the 3-0 hammering of SK Slavia Prague at Emirates Stadium in the Champions League, sealing their group stage dominance.
"Defensively they look very solid," Cole said, echoing his own legacy as one of the Premier League’s most reliable full-backs. He knows what it takes to win titles — he was part of Arsenal’s 2003-2004 "Invincibles" side that went unbeaten in 38 games. Now, he’s watching Mikel Arteta rebuild that identity, but with modern precision. Set pieces? Clinical. Transition play? Razor-sharp. The spine of the team — Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus — operates like a well-oiled machine. And the bench? Deeper than ever.
Why Manchester United? The Unlikely Challenger
Here’s where Cole’s insight cuts deeper than the headlines suggest. United, with a squad in flux and manager Ruben Amorim still settling in, aren’t even in the top four. But Cole knows the psychology of football. He’s seen what happens when Old Trafford wakes up. The club has won the Premier League 13 times. They’ve got the fanbase, the resources, and — crucially — the hunger. When Cole says "could they put on a good run," he’s not dreaming. He’s remembering 2013, when United won the title with a 10-game winning streak after a shaky start. He’s recalling 2008, when they overturned a 12-point deficit to City in the final months.
"It’s not about where they are now," Cole told Sky Sports. "It’s about what happens when the pressure builds. United have a habit of rising when it matters." And with key players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho finding form, and a January transfer window looming, Cole’s prediction isn’t as outlandish as it seems.
Liverpool and City: The Usual Suspects — But Not Invincible
Of course, Liverpool Football Club and Manchester City Football Club remain the benchmarks. City, despite a sluggish start, have won 11 of their last 13 Champions League knockout ties. Their midfield trio of Rodri, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne is still the most dangerous in Europe. And Liverpool? Even without Mohamed Salah at full fitness, they’ve won their last five away games. Jürgen Klopp’s side thrives on momentum — and the Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint.
But Cole’s point? Arsenal aren’t just competing — they’re redefining the standard. Their win against Slavia Prague wasn’t just about goals. It was about composure under European pressure. That’s what champions are made of.
A Personal Lens: Cole’s Past and the Arsenal Legacy
Cole’s words carry weight because he lived this. He played under Arsène Wenger during the "Invincibles" era. He was there when the club’s identity began to shift — from attacking brilliance to defensive discipline. He left in 2006 for Chelsea Football Club, rejecting Real Madrid and Barcelona, he later revealed on The Overlap podcast on November 27, 2025. "I felt underappreciated," he said, reflecting on contract talks. "And with Cheryl [Cole] and me newly married, I didn’t want to leave England." That decision, made under José Mourinho’s watchful eye, changed his career — but never his heart.
Now, watching Arteta’s team, he sees echoes of that 2004 side. But better. Younger. More balanced. "They’re not just winning," Cole said. "They’re winning with style, with structure, with soul. That’s rare."
What’s Next? The December Crucible
The next 30 days will define this season. Arsenal face City at the Etihad on December 15. Then Liverpool at Anfield on December 28. A single slip — a missed penalty, a defensive lapse, a red card — could change everything. But for the first time since 2004, Arsenal aren’t just hoping to win the title. They’re acting like they expect it.
And if they do? It won’t just end a 22-year drought. It’ll cement Arteta as one of the great English managers. And it’ll make Ashley Cole’s prediction — even the one about Manchester United — look less like a surprise, and more like prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ashley Cole include Manchester United in the title race despite their low position?
Cole based his assessment on United’s historical ability to surge in the second half of the season, their financial power, and recent signs of tactical cohesion under Ruben Amorim. He’s seen them overcome deficits before — like in 2008 and 2013 — and believes their squad depth and fan-driven momentum could turn around a slow start if key players stay fit and the January transfer window is used wisely.
How does Arsenal’s current defensive record compare to past title-winning teams?
As of November 2025, Arsenal have conceded just four goals in 13 Premier League games — the best in Europe’s top five leagues. That’s better than Manchester United’s 2012-13 title-winning side (12 goals conceded in 38 games) and rivals even the "Invincibles" of 2003-04, who conceded 26 in 38 matches. This defensive solidity, combined with a high-pressing attack, makes them the most balanced title contender since Pep Guardiola’s 2017-18 City side.
What role does Mikel Arteta play in Arsenal’s transformation?
Arteta, a former Arsenal captain, has rebuilt the team from the ground up since 2019. He implemented a possession-based, high-press system with structured defensive lines and set-piece routines that now score 30% of their goals — the highest rate in the Premier League. His ability to develop young talent like Saka and Ødegaard, while integrating veterans like Jesus, has created a team that’s tactically mature beyond its average age of 24.5 years.
How did Ashley Cole’s departure from Arsenal in 2006 shape his view of the club today?
Cole’s exit — after feeling undervalued during contract talks — gave him a unique perspective. He sees how far Arsenal have come since the post-Wenger years of instability. Now, with Arteta restoring discipline and identity, Cole recognizes the same culture he thrived in under Wenger — just with modern analytics, improved fitness regimes, and a clearer long-term vision. His praise isn’t nostalgic; it’s earned.
What are the key upcoming fixtures that could decide the title race?
The December 15 clash at the Etihad between Arsenal and Manchester City is the biggest. A win for Arsenal would extend their lead to nine points with only 11 games left — a near-insurmountable gap. Then comes the December 28 trip to Anfield against Liverpool. A draw or win in either game would heavily tilt momentum toward the Gunners. A loss in both, however, would open the door for City or Liverpool to close the gap dramatically.
Is this Arsenal’s best chance to win the title since 2004?
Absolutely. Unlike in 2016 or 2022, when injuries and inconsistency derailed their campaigns, this squad has depth, leadership, and mental resilience. They’ve won six consecutive away games and have only lost once in the league since September. With Arteta’s system fully embedded and key players under 25, this isn’t a flash in the pan — it’s the culmination of a six-year project. If they hold their nerve, 2025-26 could be the year the Gunners end their 22-year wait.
