Liverpool, aiming to defend their crown under Arne Slot, were leading the table by five points just a week ago but now sit behind Arsenal. ..Continue Reading
Slot’s team experienced their first loss of the campaign at Crystal Palace last weekend and then suffered another defeat against Chelsea.
The result at Stamford Bridge marked Liverpool’s third consecutive loss across all competitions, with Galatasaray also defeating them in the Champions League.
Arsenal have capitalized on Liverpool’s recent dip, securing wins over Newcastle United and West Ham to move into first place.
Mikel Arteta’s squad, who have finished second in each of the last three seasons, are now considered favourites to win their first league title since 2004.
Shearer has been ‘mightily impressed’ by Arsenal’s performances this season, especially the strength of their squad after a successful summer window.
However, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer and former England captain still believes Liverpool can reclaim the title.
‘Moving on to Arsenal, do you now think Arsenal are now favourites for the title?’ Gary Lineker asked Shearer on The Rest is Football podcast.
‘They’re looking good and the squad looks amazing with all the recruitment over the summer.
‘We all tipped Liverpool before the season started and it’s still very early but if you had to pick a team to win the league right now, who are you going for?’
Shearer replied: ‘I’m not going to change my mind just yet, Gary. I might do after a dozen games. I think Liverpool will sort themselves out.
‘But I’ve been mightily impressed with Arsenal. Even against West Ham, the way [Martin] Odegaard went off and the quality that came on was really impressive.
‘We had a graphic on Match of the Day which showed only two of the subs were at Arsenal the last time they played West Ham.
‘The bench they had… they’re bringing the likes of [Martin] Zubimendi on and that’s the difference for Arsenal this year.
‘The quality of the squad and who they can bring in when they need to change the game or they get injuries.
‘That’s the difference for them this year, the quality they can bring on. They were five points behind a week ago, now they’re one point ahead, it’s mad.’
Micah Richards also weighed in on Arsenal’s title chances, saying: ‘Arsenal have the squad to win the Premier League, definitely.
‘It’s just that little bit at the end, whether they’re ahead or behind, dealing with that pressure. That experience could be key at the end of the season.’
Arsenal will resume their league campaign after the international break with a match against Fulham, while Liverpool are set to host Manchester United at Anfield.
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