RismadarVoice Reporters
October 1, 2026
Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, saying his former club remains some distance from mounting a serious challenge.
Terry assessed a conversation with former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, where he was asked which of the two London clubs he expected to finish higher this season.
The former defender picked Arsenal, acknowledging that Chelsea’s performances had lacked consistency despite showing promise earlier in the campaign.
“Unfortunately, it’s going to be Arsenal,” Terry said.
He said Chelsea had performed well against the Gunners earlier in the season but had struggled to maintain consistency since then.
Terry nevertheless expressed hope that Chelsea could secure a top-four finish, while suggesting the club may still need more time before it is ready to compete consistently for the Premier League title.
“I still think we’re a couple of years away from competing for the Premier League,” he said.
The former Chelsea captain also praised Arsenal’s current position, arguing that the Gunners have an opportunity to establish a sustained period of success in English football.
He said Arsenal now possess the platform to compete strongly for major honours and potentially maintain their position among the Premier League’s leading sides.
Terry’s comments come as Chelsea continue their first season under manager Xabi Alonso, with the club seeking greater consistency following a mixed opening to the campaign.
Arsenal, meanwhile, remain among the teams competing at the top end of the Premier League as the season develops.
