Alan Shearer believes Arsenal have a key edge over Manchester City in the personnel stakes, in this season’s title race.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer says he believes that the Gunners’ defensive capabilities could be the difference this time around, as they look to best Man City to the title on their third attempt in a row.
Shearer made his comments are Arsenal beat their fiercest rivals Tottenham 1-0, with a gritty yet convincing performance away from home.
Gunners defender Gabriel proved to be the difference, after scoring a towering header from a Bukayo Saka-delivered corner in the 64th minute.
Alan Shearer (pictured) believes Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League
Shearer says Arsenal defenders, like Gabriel (pictured) could be what helps them win the title
He then made light of the home side’s efforts to equalise, putting in an assured performance alongside centre-back partner William Saliba.
Pointing towards their defensive line, Shearer says he believes Arsenal have the best defence in the league, and this resilience will help them in the business end of the season.
‘I think once Arsenal go 1-0 up against you, they’re tough to get back, because they are,’ Shearer told co-host Gary Lineker.
‘They don’t give hardly anything away, Spurs just kept trying to put hopeful balls into the box and Arsenal dealt with it easily.
They deserved the three points Arsenal, without playing particularly well, which has to be a good sign.’
Arsenal have three clean sheets in four games, including twice away from home in games against Spurs and Aston Villa.
Lineker similarly offered praise for Arsenal’s defence, and in particularly, Gabriel’s efforts.
‘I mean we’ve mentioned Saliba a lot but that partnership with him and Gabriel is very strong, as you just said Alan,’ Lineker said.
‘I mean, Gabriel’s a warrior, isn’t he? He’s a player you’d really want on your side and he does chip in with the odd goal.’
Podcast co-host Gary Lineker (pictured) echoed Shearer’s praise, singling out Gabriel’s contributions in the Gunners’ 1-0 away victory over Spurs in particular
Arsenal are back in Champions League action this week as they take on Atalanta, before heading to the Etihad to take on City on Sunday, in what will be the toughest test of their title credentials so far, this season.
Spurs, meanwhile, travel to Coventry in Carabao Cup on Wednesday, before they host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
