The Premier League title race is entering its critical phase, and Arsenal finds itself on the cusp of ending a historic drought. As of March 20, 2026, the Gunners, having played one fewer match than their rivals, hold a nine-point lead over Manchester City with seven games remaining. A championship victory would mark the end of a 22-year wait for a league title, harking back to the era of the “Invincibles” under Arsène Wenger in 2004.
However, a surprising element has emerged: a perceived lack of widespread support for Arsenal’s title aspirations. Thierry Henry, a club legend and key figure in that 2004 triumph, recently voiced his observations on this phenomenon, noting that many fans seem to actively *want* anyone but Arsenal to lift the trophy. This sentiment, he suggests, is unusual for a team often cast as the underdog.
“A lot of people are saying, ‘anyone but Arsenal win the league’,” Henry stated on Monday Night Football. He drew a parallel to his own feelings during Liverpool’s prolonged title drought, admitting he rooted for the Reds simply to see Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard experience championship glory. But Henry believes the situation with Arsenal is different, suggesting a reluctance among some fans to see the Gunners break their losing streak.
The question of why Arsenal doesn’t enjoy broader support is complex. It’s a dynamic that extends beyond simple rivalry. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, also appearing on the program, echoed Henry’s sentiment, noting the unusual dynamic compared to the dominance of Manchester City in recent years. “It’s highly strange, and maybe it’s the same with the Carabao Cup final,” Carragher said, referring to the upcoming match against City. “When you have a team like Man City who have dominated the last era, most neutrals want the underdog, but with Arsenal, it doesn’t perceive like that.”
Carragher posited that fans of Manchester United and Liverpool might be subtly hoping for a Manchester City victory, despite City being their local and recent rivals. This suggests a deeper-rooted resistance to Arsenal’s success. The reasons, he believes, may stem from criticisms leveled at Mikel Arteta’s management and the team’s playing style. “There’s something about Arsenal, and the way they’ve gone about it, whether it’s the style of football, whether it’s Arteta on the touchline. There’s something about them, maybe the fans, they get some stick, that maybe riles people the wrong way.”
This lack of universal support is particularly striking given Arsenal’s current position. The team has demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity under Arteta, building a squad capable of challenging for the title. Their success isn’t simply a matter of luck; it’s the result of careful planning and execution. Yet, despite their impressive form, a significant portion of the footballing public appears hesitant to embrace their potential triumph.
The dynamic is further complicated by the historical context. Arsenal’s period of dominance under Arsène Wenger, while undeniably successful, also drew criticism from some quarters. Wenger, who managed Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, became the club’s longest-serving and most successful manager, and the longest-serving manager in Premier League history. His emphasis on attractive, attacking football was lauded by many, but also accused of lacking the necessary steel to consistently win championships. This legacy, perhaps, continues to influence perceptions of the club.
Currently, Wenger serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, a role he assumed in November 2019. His influence on the modern game remains significant, and his insights are highly valued within the football community. While he hasn’t directly commented on the current sentiment towards Arsenal, his long association with the club undoubtedly gives him a unique perspective.
The upcoming EFL Cup final against Manchester City on March 22nd will be a crucial test for Arsenal. A victory would not only secure a trophy but also send a powerful message to those who doubt their title credentials. However, even a win might not be enough to sway public opinion entirely. The underlying resistance to Arsenal’s success appears to be more deeply ingrained than simply a matter of on-field performance.
The situation also raises questions about the role of narrative in football. The “underdog” story is a powerful one, and Arsenal has often embraced that label. But perhaps their sustained success this season has eroded that narrative, leaving them in a strange position where they are both contenders and outsiders. It’s a challenge Arteta and his team must navigate as they approach the final stretch of the season.
Liverpool’s recent struggles, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on November 11, 2025, have further complicated the title race. Despite this setback, Arsène Wenger has refused to rule Liverpool out of contention, acknowledging that while it’s “very unlikely” they can recover from their current position, it’s not impossible. Wenger noted that losing five games by November makes winning the Premier League a steep climb, but emphasized that Liverpool could still have a strong European campaign.
As Arsenal continues its pursuit of the Premier League title, the team will need to focus on its own performance and ignore the external noise. The support of their own fans will be crucial, but it will be their ability to deliver results on the pitch that determines their fate. The next confirmed checkpoint is the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on March 29th, a game that could significantly impact the title race.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe Arsenal can overcome the lack of wider support and finally lift the Premier League trophy? Share your opinions in the comments below!
