McCoist warns dark horses could test Arsenal’s Premier League defence

Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist, appearing in a sun‑lit studio (Picture: Getty), has named his dark horses to challenge Arsenal as the Gunners embark on their Arsenal Premier League title defence under Mikel Arteta. The list arrives as pre‑season training begins across England, setting the tone for the upcoming campaign.

The former striker’s list arrives just as pre‑season training kicks off across England, signalling his early engagement with the upcoming season. After three successive second‑place finishes, Arteta guided Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years last season, ending a long drought and raising expectations.

With the World Cup finished and pre‑season back underway, the Gunners now turn their attention to defending the title. Their focus is sharpened by the recent international break and the return of key players.

Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have already arrived from Club Brugge and Leeds United, respectively, bolstering Arsenal’s attacking and defensive options. The arrivals mark the first signings of a busy transfer window.

Arsenal are set to complete a £75 million deal for Bruno Guimaraes, adding further depth to the midfield. The club’s spending reflects its ambition to retain the crown.

The defending champions also hope to secure Vinicius Junior, who is in crunch talks with Real Madrid this week about his future. Whether the blockbuster materialises remains uncertain.

“Arsenal, I think at this moment in time would be my favourites, just, at the start of the tournament,” McCoist told talkSPORT. He believes the Gunners will go into the new season as the team to beat.

He added, “I think there’s improvement in Liverpool, improvement in United… Manchester City, we don’t know with no Pep, but I thought Rodri was massive, outstanding at the World Cup. Defending the league title is difficult, but I would probably have Arsenal starting as favourites.”

McCoist also praised Chelsea after Xabi Alonso’s arrival, noting that Morgan Rogers moved from Arsenal for a £117 million fee. He highlighted the signings of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, saying they bring respect and togetherness to the dressing‑room.

“I'm very excited. I think the manager Xabi Alonso is a clever, clever move… what is important, as much as anything, is what goes on in the dressing room before training, after training… those two signings, Henderson and Welbeck, they get right into that dressing room and one thing they get is respect,” McCoist concluded.