Alan Shearer reckons that Arsenal have a good chance of winning the Premier League title this season - if Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka stay fit - although he still believes Liverpool are firmly in pole position.
The Gunners moved to within seven points of leaders Liverpool after goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba earned a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta's side have returned to form in recent weeks, winning their last three matches, scoring 10 times and conceding just twice to put themselves back on track in the title race.
Despite this, Arsenal sit third, level on points with second-placed Chelsea and seven off table-toppers Liverpool, whose lead was cut following their pulsating midweek 3-3 draw with Newcastle, at St. James' Park. Liverpool still boast a sizeable advantage at the summit and remain favourites to win the Premier League, although Shearer has tipped Arsenal to have a major say, as well.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "Other than the Nottingham Forest game at Anfield, Liverpool have been pretty flawless in everything they've done. Even against Newcastle, you've got to admire how they came back into the game. They'll be really peeved that they conceded in the last minute, but a draw was a really fair result. I don't think either team deserved to win it.
"Liverpool are red-hot favourites to win the title at this moment in time - and rightly so - but I think Arsenal will have a lot to say about it. It will be tough for Arsenal, and they'll have to be pretty much perfect, but if they can keep Odegaard and Saka fit then I do think they'll have a lot to say in the title race.
"Arsenal have to go to the next step, and that's what they signed the players in the summer for, and everything about them tells me that they're in the title race. But Liverpool have been superb in what they've done."
Shearer added: "I guess they've surprised everyone with the run that they've been on because I and a lot of people thought that Slot going in and replacing Klopp was always going to be difficult. They tried to sign Martin Zubimendi which didn't work out and their midfield has been one of their strong points.
"Liverpool are really strong and they'll be there right until the end of the season, I've no doubt about it. But there's no way the title race is over, there's still going to be twists and turns.
"Man City got back to winning ways, Chelsea have made an unbelievable start to the season with [Enzo] Maresca. Chelsea are second in the table right now, but don't think they'll be able to stay there.
"I don't see them as title contenders. Having said that, they're in a bloody good position. I do think it'll be between Liverpool and Arsenal after what we've seen this season."
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