Alan Shearer has underlined the need for Arsenal to keep their leading men fit
Alan Shearer has underlined the need for Arsenal to keep their leading men fit
Alan Shearer claims Arsenal are a "different team" when they have Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka involved.
The Gunners closed the gap on leaders Liverpool in midweek with Fulham their next assignment. Mikel Arteta's side are attempting to finally top the pile following near misses over the past two years, but need their best players fit if they are to get over the line.
Odegaard recently missed a host of matches after picking up an injury whilst on international duty. With their playmaker absent Arsenal struggled in attack, but the Norwegian's return has coincided with a return to form.
Saka too has continued to grow in influence and remains one of Arsenal's most potent threats with Shearer backing them to get the job done at Fulham - a venue they lost at 12 months ago - with their two attacking forces key to their ambitions.
[
Mikel Arteta sets Arsenal lofty new target after mastering set-pieces - 'Kings of everything!'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-set-pieces-mikel-arteta-34266638)
The ex-England striker told Betfair : "A London derby again so I'd usually go for a draw but with the form Arsenal are in, with Odegaard and Saka they're a different team. Even though it's at the Cottage I'll go for an away win."
Arsenal have been somewhat fortunate with the fitness of their key men in recent seasons. The team are not renowned for their squad depth but a number of their most influential figures have been constantly available, which has seen them thrive.
There is a notable drop when they are absent and Arteta will hope the likes of Odegaard, Saka and William Saliba all remain fit as the season goes on with the north Londoners aiming to chase down leaders Liverpool - who remain favourites for the title in Shearer's eyes.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka continue to be hugely influential in the final third
He said: "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."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.