At a Glance:
- David James believes Arsenal are not a bigger club than Premier League side.
- Premier League club have won the European Cup.
- Arsenal have won 28 more trophies.
Arsenal are widely regarded as one of the biggest clubs in world football and this season, the Gunners could further cement that reputation by winning both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Arsenal are a top side again but even during their dark days under Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta in recent years, their status as an elite club has never diminished.
The North Londoners have won a staggering 48 major trophies, including 13 league titles, 14 FA Cups and two League Cups among others.
However, David James has made a bold claim about the size of the English giants.
David James claims Aston Villa are a bigger club than Arsenal
Speaking to the Daily Mail, David James was quizzed about which club he reckons is the biggest in the Premier League.
The retired goalkeeper believes Liverpool are the biggest club in English football.
KNOCKOUT with David James 🧤 pic.twitter.com/Wbm1Jfa65m
— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) May 13, 2026
James was first asked to pick between his former clubs, Manchester City and Liverpool and he opted for the Reds.
Surprisingly, David James went on to claim that Aston Villa are a bigger club than Arsenal, saying: “Aston Villa, because they won the European Championship.”
Arsenal and Aston Villa’s history compared
It’s safe to say that the Englishman’s claim will divide opinion. Arsenal boast of one of the biggest fanbases in the world and their support will certainly be miffed with James’ opinion.
However, as far as history is concerned, Arsenal are in a league of their own compared to Villa.
- Arsenal: 48 trophies
- Aston Villa: 20 trophies
As David James mentioned, Aston Villa did famously win the 1982 European Cup, Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final and could replicate the Villans’ feat as well. Based on both sides’ respective trophy cabinets, it is hard to look past the red side of North London as the overwhelming bigger club.
Only Liverpool and Manchester United have won silverware than Arsenal in English football.
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