Arsenal Football Club has been declared the surprise winners of the Premier League by bookmaker Paddy Power, who have started paying out bets on Arsenal claiming the title, even though there are still over a third of the season left to play. This decision comes after Arsenal's 3-0 victory against Sunderland AFC, which has allowed them to extend their lead over Manchester City to an impressive nine points. The early payout has drawn some controversy among football fans and analysts, as many believe that the title race isn’t definitively over yet.

Despite a strong showing from Arsenal this season under the management of Mikel Arteta, there are still concerns regarding their lead, particularly with Manchester City, a club known for their resilience, still poised to play against Liverpool. By declaring Arsenal champions so early in the race, Paddy Power is stirring debate about the unpredictability of the sport, especially in a league where surprises can often occur. The underlying message is that while Arsenal have been dominant so far, football remains an unpredictable game, and teams like Manchester City are capable of making significant comebacks.

The announcement from Paddy Power raises questions about betting practices in sports and the implications of such early conclusions. Many fans may view this as either a poor strategic decision by the bookmakers or a testament to Arsenal's impressive form thus far. Moving forward, all eyes will be on Arsenal as they attempt to keep their title hopes alive, while still trying to navigate challenging fixtures and manage the pressure of expectations in the coming weeks of the season.