John Terry chooses “clear favourites” between Arsenal and Man City for title race

John Terry has admitted Arsenal are his pick to win the Premier League this season, even if the former Chelsea captain clearly does not enjoy saying it.

Terry believes the defending champions are currently better placed than Chelsea to challenge at the top, while also suggesting the Blues may still be a couple of years away from being genuine title contenders.

Terry backs Arsenal and expects Chelsea to remain inconsistent

Speaking to Theo Walcott on TikTok, Terry gave a pretty frank assessment when asked which of their former clubs he expects to finish higher this season.

“Unfortunately, it’s going to be Arsenal,” Terry said, as reported by Metro.

He added: “We [Chelsea] had a good start and we gave you guys [Arsenal] a good game actually.

“Since that game we’ve been hit and miss to be honest and I think that’s going to be our season.

“But I’m still hopeful of top four, I still think we’re a couple of years away from competing for the Premier League.

“I said a little while ago that you guys [Arsenal] have got an opportunity now to go and dominate the Premier League.”

Terry’s prediction is understandable given the early-season picture. Arsenal have won four of their opening five league games and sit second, three points behind Manchester City.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are down in 10th after taking seven points from five matches.

Gunners look more settled, while Chelsea are still building

Terry’s comments probably say as much about Chelsea as they do about Arsenal.

Arsenal already have the core of a title-winning side and look much more settled tactically and defensively. They may not have started perfectly, but they have shown the sort of consistency that usually separates genuine title challengers from the rest.

Chelsea are in a different place. There is plenty of talent in Xabi Alonso’s squad, but the results so far have been uneven. A top-four challenge feels more realistic right now than a title push.

That said, it is still very early. Five league games is nowhere near enough to settle a title race, especially with Manchester City currently leading the table.

Terry’s view is therefore more a snapshot of where the teams stand today than a definitive prediction of how the season will finish. Arsenal look more complete, while Chelsea still look like a side trying to put all the pieces together.