Former Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper Aditya Tare has thrown his weight behind Arsenal to defend their Premier League title, predicting a prolonged dominant phase for the Gunners under manager Mikel Arteta. Speaking on 16 October 2026, Tare also offered a candid glimpse into the dressing-room banter that accompanied Arsenal's long-awaited title triumph last season.

Arsenal's Historic Title Drought Ends

The Gunners ended a 22-year wait for Premier League glory last season, with Arteta steering the club to the title in what proved to be a stellar European campaign. Arsenal also reached the Champions League final that year, though they were beaten by defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final hurdle. The double run to both major finals underscored how far the club had come under Arteta's stewardship.

This season, Arsenal are placed second in the English Premier League table following a surprise defeat to Brighton, with rivals Manchester City currently occupying the summit. With the campaign still in its formative stages, however, Tare believes the North London side will eventually reclaim top spot.

Tare's Prediction and Dressing-Room Banter

A self-confessed long-time Arsenal supporter, Tare drew on his experience of winning multiple titles with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) when making his case for the Gunners. He also recalled light-hearted rivalry with former India and Mumbai cricketer Abhishek Nayar, a Manchester City fan.

'We've always had a lot of banter in the Mumbai cricket dressing room, with plenty of Manchester United supporters around, and Abhishek has been a Man City fan since the very beginning. It was tough being on the back foot all the time without winning the trophy and seeing City dominate,' Tare said in an interview with JioStar.

'But after last season's title win, Arsenal and their fans have the bragging rights. On a serious note, Manchester City is a terrific club and has always put pressure on anyone challenging for the title. I believe it's going to be a tough title race this season as well. It's a great start for both clubs, but I think Arsenal will win back-to-back. That's my feeling,' he added.

A Dream Come True: Trophy Tour Moment

Tare posed alongside the Premier League trophy, currently on a tour to Mumbai, describing the experience as deeply emotional. 'It's a dream come true, to be honest. Growing up, I've supported Arsenal since I was a kid. I watched Arsenal win the Premier League in 2003-04 as Invincibles without losing a single game,' he said.

'Since then, it has been a very long wait for the next title win, and after so many years of waiting and coming so close, there was a huge sense of relief when we finally won the title last season. To now stand next to the Premier League trophy that Arsenal won after 22 years and see it in person, knowing what it means to the club and its fans, is really special. Seeing the trophy up close is a surreal feeling, especially as an Arsenal fan. I'm happy and proud of this team,' Tare said.

The Mumbai Indians Parallel

Drawing a parallel with Mumbai Indians' back-to-back IPL championship runs, Tare argued that title-winning habits compound over time. 'Once you win a trophy, I think it becomes a habit that will give you those back-to-back championships. Having been part of Mumbai Indians in the IPL in the past, winning back-to-back titles is a privilege not many get to experience,' he noted.

'And I believe this Arsenal team, especially with Mikel Arteta as the manager, has got all the ingredients to dominate in the Premier League in the coming years. So, I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of happy years going forward for Arsenal supporters and the club as well,' he said. With the Premier League title race shaping up as a two-horse contest between Arsenal and City, Tare's prediction will be put to the test over the months ahead.