Alan Shearer has shared his views on Arsenal's position in the Premier League table and the early stages of the title race
Hannah Pinnock
07:00, 17 Nov 2025
Pundit Alan Shearer look on ahead of a Champions League match
View 2 Images
Pundit Alan Shearer believes it's too early for Arsenal to be concerned with Manchester City in the Premier League title race(Image: Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Alan Shearer has warned that it's too soon for Arsenal to be concerned with their rivals in the Premier League title race this season.
Mikel Arteta 's side have worked themselves into a promising position after 11 games. They sit four points clear of second-placed Manchester City and eight ahead of last season's winners, Liverpool.
The Gunners have won eight, drawn two and lost just once in the league so far. Their only defeat coming at Anfield against Liverpool, courtesy of a second-half free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Before the international break, however, they suffered a shock draw against a high-flying Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal initially fell behind in the first half, but goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard put them ahead as stoppage time began.
In a sucker-punch moment, Sunderland substitute Brian Brobbey scored a stunning overhead kick to level the score with minutes remaining. It was just the third time Arsenal have dropped points this season but allowed Man City to close the gap slightly with a comfortable win over Liverpool the following day.
Shearer, though, believes it is far too early for Arsenal to worry about their rivals’ results. He insists Pep Guardiola’s City will always be a threat in any title race, but the Gunners have everything they need to challenge strongly this time around.
Mikel Arteta was gutted to miss out on three points at Sunderland as Arsenal drew in the northeast
View 2 Images
Mikel Arteta was gutted to miss out on three points at Sunderland as Arsenal drew in the northeast(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"This is not a time for Arsenal fans to be concerned when it comes to winning the Premier League. I wouldn't say that Arsenal’s result [at Sunderland] will scare them when it comes to looking over their shoulder at Manchester City," the Newcastle legend told Betfair.
"I think those players and Mikel Arteta have been in the game long enough to know that you'd be a fool to write Pep Guardiola off. You'd be a fool to say, 'we're much, much better than them'. I don't think Man City will go away.
"I think they'll make a real good fist of it this time. I wouldn't be too concerned if I was an Arsenal fan or an Arsenal player.
"Any team will find it tough going away to Sunderland. The hard thing for them is the way they conceded in the last minute after a tough first half.
"They were much better in the second half, much more energy. The disappointing thing is the way they conceded so late on in the game. I wouldn't be too concerned that you go there and get a draw."
Article continues below
Arsenal return to action after the international break with a crucial run of games against Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as a tricky Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. As the festive period approaches, Arteta will hope his side can extend their advantage at the Premier League summit as they push for their first title since 2004.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.