20 Aug 2026 16:52:41
All of the BBC pundits except 3 goalkeepers (two of whom played for City) have predicted us to retain the title. Is that too much pressure or has the team now manned up to face the challenge?
With the turnaround of staff among our nearest rivals I would be sad if we don’t win the PL (AGAIN!) this season.
We must be the team to beat going forward and put on a streak like City.
20 Aug 2026 18:52:25
Hi Highbury, I think we are justifiably favourites to defend our title, but I think Liverpool were every bit as justifiable favourites 12 months ago, especially after winning their opening 3 games.
It's easy to see why we Gooners are excited about the season ahead and what it could possibly bring for us, but we'd be wise not to be carried away by our own publicity and start thinking we have a right to win anything at all.
Humility should remain our keyword.
20 Aug 2026 20:37:53
I get your point, G62, but that's exactly my question: is the team mature enough to deal with this pressure?
Liverpool were in a different situation, having punched above the expectations in Slot's first season, and were knocking on the door for so many previous seasons, and Guardiola, in his last season, was trying to end on a high, added to that the issues with Salah.
However, we are in exactly the opposite situation, where every nearest rival is in transition.
20 Aug 2026 21:51:43
In all honesty, Highbury, who knows anything before it actually happens? Do I believe our team is mature enough? Absolutely I do.
Did I believe Liverpool had strengthened well last summer, and would be even better last season than they were when they won the league the season before? Absolutely I did.
Seasons seldom work out exactly as most people think they are going to work.
Some teams always do far better than predicted (Sunderland, Brentford and Bournemouth last season) , and some teams do far worse than predicted (Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea last season) . I think we have a great chance of defending our title, but I'm realistic enough to accept our doing so is anything but a forgone conclusion.