Alan Shearer shares why Arsenal are unlikely to get over the finishing line in the title race ahead of Manchester City
Manchester City host Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash, and whoever wins will fancy their chances of landing the Premier League title in May.
Having already defeated Pep Guardiola’s side twice this season, the Gunners will be feeling pretty confident ahead of the potential title decider, but Alan Shearer is not convinced they have what it takes to get across the finishing line given their inexperience.
The Premier League legend believes Man City will retain the title, citing their familiarity with the run-in over the last three seasons as a key factor that could see them pip Arsenal and Liverpool to it.
“This is why my instinct is to make Manchester City favourites to win it now, even though they’re third in the table, a point behind the other two,” Shearer wrote in The Athletic.
“They’re more familiar with this position. No side has ever won four consecutive Premier League titles but the track record they have is precious. If you’ve done it before, you understand defeat isn’t a disaster; you trust yourself and each other and draw upon your knowledge. If you’re new to it or less versed in it, hesitation can fester.
“It won’t be perfection for City, Liverpool and Arsenal over the next two months because life is rarely like that. It’s about learning to live with those hiccups — it’s not the end of the world, so you move on.
“Each of them have their own motivations and contexts. Arsenal haven’t claimed a league title for 20 years, but vied for it last season; does that help or hinder them now? Arguably, they have the toughest fixtures. Liverpool have won it once under Jurgen Klopp, in a season extended and affected by Covid-19, and are desperate to add another before the manager leaves. Does that propel them or smother them? In my view, City will be the most relaxed, but that can change.”
Despite what Shearer thinks, Arsenal will be full of belief heading into the last ten games of the campaign, and victory at Etihad will be a huge boost for them.
While they still have to face Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United away from home and will host Chelsea, the Gunners will be unfazed as long as their key players avoid injuries and suspensions going forward.
Arsenal have been better than they were last term and are more equipped and experienced to avoid falling off, and they cannot afford to miss out on a huge chance to finally win the title for the first time since 2004.
