{
  "id": 3538175,
  "title": "EPL: Ashley Cole names strongest team in England this season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/epl-ashley-cole-names-strongest-team-in-england-this-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T16:12:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/26/epl-ashley-cole-names-strongest-team-in-england-this-season/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has declared that Arsenal are the \"strongest\" team in the current Premier League season. Cole credits the Gunners' confidence and belief to their successful title defense last year, which they began impressively by defeating newly promoted Coventry 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. This victory came just five days after Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Manchester City in the Community Shield, a feat they have achieved 18 times in their history.\n\nMikel Arteta's Arsenal squad will endeavor to maintain their current form as they face Aston Villa away, managed by their former coach Unai Emery, who has faced a tough start to the season following a 4-0 loss to Brighton. Cole predicts a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge when Arsenal clash with their historic rivals Chelsea, a match that holds particular significance for Cole, given his dual allegiance to both teams.\n\nThe reigning English champions will aim to build on their opening day win, a 3-0 triumph over Fulham, where Cole Palmer appeared to regain his form and Morgan Rogers scored on his official debut for Chelsea. When asked about predicting the eventual champions, Cole stated, \"I think it's too early to say.\" He expressed optimism about Chelsea's performance against Fulham, believing Xabi Alonso will be \"delighted\" with the response from his players. Cole emphasized that every job is challenging and that the key lies in the response elicited from players.",
  "summary": "Former Chelsea player Ashley Cole has stated that Arsenal are the ‘strongest’ team in the Premier League and will be motivated by the ‘confidence’ and ‘belief’ they acquired from winning the title last season. Arsenal kicked off their title defence in impressive style, securing a 3-0 victory against newly promoted Coventry, with goals from Kai […] EPL: Ashley Cole names strongest team in England…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ashley Cole declares Arsenal as strongest team in current Premier League season.",
    "Mikel Arteta's squad aims to maintain form against Aston Villa.",
    "Cole predicts thrilling encounter between Arsenal and Chelsea."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}