Alan Shearer and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta
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Premier League legend Alan Shearer has identified a key advantage Liverpool hold over Arsenal in this season’s tightly contested title race. As Mikel Arteta’s Gunners battle Arne Slot’s Liverpool for supremacy, Shearer pointed out the Reds’ resilience and depth as defining factors.
Arsenal’s goalless draw against Everton on matchweek 16 left them six points behind Liverpool, who sit atop the table despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham. The contrasting outcomes underscored the differences between the two sides, with Liverpool’s ability to recover from adversity setting them apart.
Speaking onThe Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer praised Liverpool’s ability to salvage a point against Fulham despite playing with ten men. “It was a really good point for Liverpool. It just shows the strength they’ve got and the players they’re able to bring in—it didn’t really affect them,” Shearer said. “They would’ve absolutely taken that in the circumstances, and I think it actually sent a message out.”
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In contrast, Arsenal struggled to break down Everton’s defensive setup in an uneventful 0-0 draw at the Emirates, further exposing the Gunners’ inability to adapt when their primary tactics falter.
Mikel Arteta speaking after the Everton game on the lack of chances his side are currently creating from open play.
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Shearer’s comments highlighted a glaring issue for Arsenal: their lack of attacking depth compared to Liverpool. While the Reds boast a well-stocked front line capable of rescuing results, Arsenal’s inability to create from open play has been a recurring problem this season.
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The draw against Everton not only highlighted poor individual performances but also underscored Arsenal’s struggles when their initial game plan fails. The lack of reinforcements in the summer transfer window, a responsibility that fell under former sporting director Edu Gaspar, has left the Gunners with limited options in attack.
With Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest making up the top four, the Premier League title race remains wide open. However, Arsenal’s struggles to adapt and their thin attacking options could prove costly as the season progresses.
Arteta’s side will need to address these issues quickly if they are to keep pace with a Liverpool team that continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in their pursuit of the title.
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