Arsenal's Unstoppable Rise: Alan Shearer's Bold Prediction and Expert Opinions
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title this season. Can Mikel Arteta's side finally clinch the trophy? Let's delve into the insights from Alan Shearer and other experts.
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title this season, claiming that he cannot see a weakness within Mikel Arteta's side after the Gunners extended their lead at the top with victory at Burnley. Their ninth successive victory and seventh successive clean sheet in all competitions has only furthered the belief amongst many that this is the best chance Arsenal have had to end their hunt for title glory.Arsenal went seven points clear after goals by Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice secured victory at Turf Moor. The Gunners’ continued impenetrable defence remains a key facet of their strong success, as they equalled a club record for consecutive clean sheets and remain on course to give a good go at challenging Chelsea’s imperious record of just 15 goals conceded in 2004/05.Premier League all-time top goalscorer Shearer sung the praises of the Gunners’ strength all over the pitch and claimed he does not see a weakness in Arteta’s side as they dominate from set-pieces while offering “so much more than that” in their overall performance."I can't see a weakness," former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer told BBC Sport."They've scored again from a set-piece but there's been so much more than that in the performance. I like the way they're using [Riccardo] Calafiori and [Jurrien] Timber in advanced positions to create overloads and win set-piece opportunities."Shearer was not the only pundit to sing the Gunners’ praises after the result, as former Manchester City defender Nedum Onouha cited their previous tendency to be “soft-centred” as something which Arteta’s side have developed beyond and removed from their game."When I first started doing punditry in 2021, Arsenal's biggest failing was they are a bit soft-centered, you could almost bully them,” said Onouha."Now you look at the way they can play. If it needs to be a fight, it will be a fight. If it needs to be a footballing game it can be a footballing game."People don't want to be classed as favourites for anything at this part of the season. There is a lot of pressure that comes with that. For the Arsenal side, three years in a row they have finished second, why not have the belief they can finish first?"The depth that they have, if somebody drops out it's the next person up," added Onuoha. “Ultimately, this is why they are being classed as favourites because they are in a great position."Sky Sports’ former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville added: "Arsenal are reliable, you can trust them. This is your title, Arsenal. I've never really felt that sure before, it's so early in the season, but it really is [yours]."That's not being overconfident, or placing pressure. Arsenal must feel it themselves. This is the moment Arsenal can get back to [winning the title]. The chance is there for them; they have to take it."Arsenal manager Arteta said at full-time: “Especially the way we started the game, I think in the first half we were exceptional. Scored two goals, probably should have scored another two or three. “We gave nothing away, and that was the platform to win it because in the second half, it’s true that we weren’t that precise, especially with the ball, we had to make a few changes and didn’t have that much control of the game. But defensively, again, we were exceptional to maintain the clean sheet.”After three years of agonising second-placed finishes, Arsenal look like the team to beat at present and have already amounted a handsome advantage over title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, still the only two sides against whom the Gunners have dropped points so far this season.If they can continue their immaculate record against the rest of the division and continue to prevent opponents from even having a shot on target – their last four opponents have managed one between them – then this could be the season Arsenal and Arteta finally reach the top of the mountain and win the Premier League title.
Alan Shearer's Confidence in Arsenal's Strength
Premier League all-time top goalscorer Alan Shearer expressed his unwavering belief in Arsenal's title credentials, stating that he cannot find a weakness within Mikel Arteta's side. After the Gunners' ninth successive victory and seventh consecutive clean sheet, Shearer highlighted the team's well-rounded performance and effectiveness from set-pieces.
Expert Praise for Arsenal's Evolution
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onouha commended Arsenal's transformation under Arteta, emphasizing their newfound resilience and ability to adapt to different game styles. The evolution from being 'soft-centered' to a well-balanced and versatile team has caught the attention of pundits and fans alike.
Gary Neville's Vote of Confidence
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville echoed the sentiments of Shearer and Onuoha, asserting that Arsenal are a reliable and trustworthy force in the title race. Neville's bold statement that 'This is your title, Arsenal' reflects the growing optimism around the Emirates Stadium and the belief that this could finally be Arsenal's year.
Arteta's Ambition and Team Unity
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta credited his team's exceptional performance and defensive solidity for their recent success. Arteta highlighted the team's exceptional start to games and defensive resilience as key pillars of their title challenge. With a strong sense of unity and depth within the squad, Arsenal seem poised to make a serious push for the Premier League crown.
The Path to Premier League Glory
After years of near misses and second-place finishes, Arsenal find themselves in a commanding position at the top of the table. With a significant lead over traditional title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, Arteta's side has the opportunity to break the drought and lift the Premier League trophy. If they can maintain their defensive solidity and clinical attacking play, the Gunners could finally realize their title ambitions.


