Will Arsenal be haunted again by the runner-up curse?

Former renowned winger Theo Walcott recently revealed that he had to revise his prediction for the Premier League top 4 race after watching his old club Arsenal draw 1-1 with Manchester City.

A few days ago, the match seemed destined to end in a defeat for Arsenal after Erling Haaland scored in the 9th minute, but Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal in stoppage time helped the home team secure a point. Martinelli’s equalizer also made Mikel Arteta become the first coach to remain unbeaten in five consecutive matches against Pep Guardiola.

Speaking on the show It’s Called Soccer, Walcott expressed regret over Arteta’s personnel choices: "Looking at the starting lineup, I felt somewhat disappointed and puzzled. This was a game that needed players like Martinelli or Eze, who dare to take risks with the ball, possess skill, agility, and can make a difference, yet Arteta didn't start them all from the beginning. Arsenal tends to play cautiously in big matches, but whenever they accelerate, opponents struggle. That’s Arteta’s decision, and I’m not surprised."

Before the season began, Walcott predicted Arsenal would finish third in the 2025/26 Premier League, behind Liverpool and Manchester City. However, the current form along with quality newcomers like Eze, Zubimendi, Mosquera, and to some extent Gyokeres, have changed his view.

Walcott commented as follows: "Before the season officially started, I had Arsenal in third place, at a time when the summer transfer window of 2025 was still open. Now I believe they will finish second. Of course, I want Arsenal to go even higher. Certainly, Arsenal will compete fiercely, even lead the table for a significant period, and are more prepared to challenge the Champions League."

Many Arsenal fans are not very pleased with Walcott’s choice since their team has finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons. With recent heavy investments, Arteta is expected to help the team surpass Liverpool and Manchester City to claim the top spot for the first time after many years of waiting.

This weekend, Arsenal will face Newcastle. Mikel Arteta’s squad aims to secure three points at all costs against the "Magpies" to apply pressure and keep pace with Liverpool.

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