Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has admitted he is growing anxious that Manchester City's activity in the January transfer window could prove decisive in the Premier League title race, despite Mikel Arteta's side currently holding a six-point advantage at the summit.
Title Race Tightens After Missed Opportunity
The concern follows a pivotal midweek where the dynamics of the championship battle shifted. Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton on Wednesday, January 9, 2026, presenting Arsenal with a golden chance to extend their lead to eight points. However, the Gunners failed to capitalise the following night, stumbling to a 0-0 draw against a resilient Liverpool side at the Emirates Stadium.
While Arsenal remain six points clear, with pundits like Roy Keane still labelling them "red-hot favourites" to end a title drought stretching back to 2004, Smith harbours a nagging doubt. Speaking on the In the Mixer podcast, he revealed his fear that Pep Guardiola's reigning champions are poised to strengthen significantly.
City's Potential New Signings Cause for Alarm
Smith pinpointed two specific moves that he believes could transform City into an even more formidable force for the season's decisive run-in. He expressed particular unease over City's confirmed signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, coupled with strong rumours linking them with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
"I'm a bit worried about Manchester City, bringing in Antoine Semenyo and if they can get Marc Guehi," Smith stated. "I don't like that at all, because as City are at the moment, Arsenal are better in terms of their squad."
The ex-Gunner acknowledged Arsenal's current maturity and ability to handle pressure but posed a critical question for the final stretch. "If City are breathing down their necks with four or five games to go, how are Arsenal going to handle it? That is one question," he mused.
Gyokeres Form Adds to Gunners' Concerns
Adding to the narrative of potential Arsenal vulnerability is the scrutiny on their marquee attacking signing, Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker's subdued start in North London was highlighted after his ineffective display against Liverpool, where he managed just eight touches before being substituted in the 64th minute.
Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was scathing, calling his performance "really poor" and stating he "offered nothing." Fellow analyst Paul Merson echoed these concerns, questioning whether Arsenal possess a natural finisher for the tense final stages. "When it gets down to those last eight games, and it gets so nervy, you might need that something out of nothing," Merson warned.
Both title contenders now turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend, with Arsenal facing Portsmouth and Manchester City taking on Exeter City in the third round. However, all eyes will swiftly return to the league, where the impact of the January market may ultimately decide where the Premier League trophy resides in May.
