Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has recently expressed strong confidence in Arsenal’s ability to genuinely contend for the Premier League title this season. As a Gunners legend who defended Arsenal’s goal for over a decade, Seaman has an experienced eye for what it takes to be competitive at the highest level. While he sees Arsenal as serious title challengers, Seaman highlighted one recurring issue that Arsenal must resolve if they are to topple defending champions Manchester City and bring home the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004. Additionally, Seaman has voiced his admiration for the impact David Raya has made in goal, describing the goalkeeper as a calming influence on Arsenal’s defensive line.
David Seaman, who represented Arsenal in 405 matches, firmly believes that the club has a real opportunity to secure the title this season. Speaking recently, Seaman noted that the Gunners have strengthened in key areas and are becoming a force to be reckoned with under manager Mikel Arteta. However, he also cautioned that Arsenal must overcome a familiar issue: dropping points in games they should win. According to Seaman, addressing this problem is crucial if the team is to avoid the slip-ups that have hampered their title aspirations in previous seasons.
“Whoever finishes above City are going to win it,” Seaman told Kenny Allstar on TNT Sports’ What I Wore show, hinting that Manchester City remains the team to beat. City’s formidable strength in the Premier League has been evident over the past few years, and they have consistently set the standard for title-winning form. Although Arsenal managed to claim four points against City last season, Seaman points out that the real hurdle for Arsenal has been overcoming smaller teams, where unexpected losses have cost them crucial points.
“It’s going to be tough,” Seaman admitted. “We took four points off City last season. That wasn’t the problem. It was us against the other teams; losing to [Aston] Villa and Brighton and a couple of others. Games that we should have won and we slipped up.” He emphasized the importance of winning games where Arsenal is favored to come out on top, as this is often where title races are won or lost. Arsenal experienced this firsthand last season when a crucial loss to Aston Villa in April dashed their title hopes, along with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion the previous year, which practically handed the league to Manchester City.
Despite these setbacks, Seaman is optimistic about Arsenal’s chances. “We’ve got a great chance. We’re genuine contenders. We are proper contenders, which is why I joined this club. We’ve got a chance of winning things,” he said, reaffirming his faith in the current Arsenal squad. This season, Arsenal sits in third place after nine matches, just five points behind league leaders Liverpool. Their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium demonstrated their ability to go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the league, but consistency will be key for the Gunners as they chase down the title.
Seaman also highlighted the importance of David Raya’s arrival at Arsenal and the positive impact the Spanish goalkeeper has had on the team. Raya was brought in by Arteta to challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the No. 1 spot, a decision that initially sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Ramsdale, who has represented England and was a key figure in Arsenal’s resurgence over the past couple of seasons, has had his share of strong performances in an Arsenal shirt. However, Seaman believes that Raya brings something unique to the role.
Seaman acknowledged Ramsdale’s contributions, stating, “Ramsdale has been brilliant for the Gunners.” Nonetheless, Seaman believes that Raya has brought a level of “calmness” to Arsenal’s backline that was previously missing. Known for his composure and decision-making, Raya has quickly become a reassuring presence at the back, and his ability to stay calm under pressure has been noticeable. Seaman explained that Raya’s calm demeanor adds stability to Arsenal’s defense, allowing them to play with greater assurance and control in high-stakes matches.
In recent years, Arsenal has been searching for consistency in goal, and Arteta’s decision to bring in Raya appears to be paying dividends. By instilling calmness and control from the back, Raya has had a positive influence on Arsenal’s defensive structure. For Seaman, this change in the goalkeeper position is a strategic move by Arteta that aligns with the manager’s focus on building a more resilient and adaptable team capable of challenging for top honors.
While Seaman’s praise for Raya is clear, he also expressed understanding for Ramsdale’s position, acknowledging the England international’s efforts and performances during his time with Arsenal. Ramsdale’s skill set and passion have made him a fan favorite, and his enthusiasm for the game is contagious. However, Seaman sees Raya’s calm, steady approach as a significant factor in Arsenal’s defensive evolution and a quality that could prove invaluable in the title race.
Arsenal’s title ambitions this season hinge on their ability to maintain focus in every match, particularly against teams that may not be immediate title contenders. Seaman’s emphasis on “games they should be winning” points to the critical need for consistency and the avoidance of complacency. While Arsenal has demonstrated they can compete with top teams like Liverpool and Manchester City, the real challenge lies in securing victories in matches where they are expected to dominate.
Under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal has shown marked improvement in their style of play, tactical discipline, and squad depth. The current squad is built on a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, all of whom are eager to end Arsenal’s 20-year wait for a Premier League title. The recent performances of players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus have boosted Arsenal’s prospects, and with Raya anchoring the defense, the Gunners appear poised to give Manchester City and Liverpool a serious run for their money.
In addition to consistency, Arsenal will also need to navigate the mental and physical demands of a long Premier League campaign. Teams that endure the rigors of a title race often face challenges in maintaining energy levels and focus throughout the season. Arteta’s squad will need to be mentally prepared to handle setbacks, as every point will matter in what promises to be a fiercely competitive title race.
As the season progresses, Arsenal’s resilience and ability to secure victories in all types of matches will ultimately determine their place in the title race. With Seaman’s confidence in the team’s potential and Raya’s calming influence in goal, Arsenal’s chances of lifting the Premier League trophy have never looked brighter. Fans are eager to see if Arteta’s side can rise to the challenge and bring the coveted title back to North London.
In the words of Seaman, “We’re genuine contenders. We are proper contenders.” This season, Arsenal has an opportunity to prove him right by overcoming past mistakes, sustaining momentum, and claiming their place among the elite of English football. With a squad brimming with talent and determination, Arsenal’s title aspirations are not just wishful thinking—they’re within reach.
