Alan Shearer makes Premier League title prediction after Arsenal overtake Liverpool

Alan Shearer has revealed his take on the Premier League title race after Arsenal climbed above defending champions Liverpool.

Liverpool, bidding to retain the Premier League trophy under Arne Slot, were five points clear at the top of the table just a week ago but now find themselves trailing Arsenal.

Slot’s side suffered their first defeat of the season at Crystal Palace last weekend before also losing to Chelsea on Saturday.

The setback at Stamford Bridge was in fact Liverpool’s third successive defeat in all competitions as Liverpool were also beaten in the Champions League by Galatasaray.

Arsenal have taken full advantage of Liverpool’s blip, beating Newcastle United and West Ham over the past two game weeks to climb to the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side, runners-up for the past three seasons, are now the bookmakers’ favourites to win their first league title since 2004.

Shearer has been ‘mightily impressed’ by Arsenal’s form this season and particularly the depth of their squad following a productive summer transfer window.

But the Premier League record goalscorer and England legend is still backing Liverpool to retain 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.’

Discussing Arsenal’s title aspirations, Micah Richards added: ‘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 return to Premier League action after the international break against London rivals Fulham, while Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield.

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