Arsenal’s quadruple pursuit has been cut in half over the last couple of weeks or so – and losing 2-1 to Championship outfit Southampton has caused Alan Shearer to issue a new verdict on the Gunners’ chances of becoming Premier League champions.
At the time of writing, Mikel Arteta’s men are currently nine points ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City but they will need to be on top form between now and the end of the season.
It must be noted that they are still in the Champions League and face Sporting CP – Viktor Gyokeres’ former side – in the quarter-finals over the next two weeks.
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But finally becoming the champions of England, over two decades on from their most recent triumph, will be at the top of their priority list. But what has Shearer said in the aftermath of their defeat at the weekend?
‘Incredibly tough’ – Shearer offers new look on Arsenal’s Premier League title dreams
On home soil, Saints forward Ross Stewart opened the scoring in the 35th minute after he latched onto the ball and struck his effort past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Gyokeres then gave the visitors some hope.
With 22 minutes of regulation time remaining, the Swede pulled back at an equaliser but it was Shea Charles who had the last laugh.
The Southampton substitute caressed his effort into the bottom right-hand corner and ran into the corner to celebrate with the raucous home fans after sending them to Wembley Stadium.
Shearer has now weighed in on the title debate and whether Arsenal have the minerals to retain their position at the summit of the table.
“This is not a fluke. Victory went to the better side on the night,” the Premier League record goalscorer said in the wake of Arsenal’s 2-1 loss, per The Standard.
Speaking to Betfair, he also said: “After Arsenal got knocked out of the FA Cup, it will be incredibly tough for them, mentally, to go on and achieve what they want to achieve.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Man City won the FA Cup. They’ve already got one trophy in the bag. I don’t think [City] are going to win the league. They can’t win the Champions League.
“I know they’ve got a tough draw, but I do think with their history and with their experience, they may be the favourites to win it. Now they’ve got through the quarter-final against Liverpool, I think they’ll win it.”
Analysis Arsenal and Man City’s Premier League run-ins
As mentioned, a total of nine points currently separate the two challengers for the title – but Pep Guardiola and his men do have a game in hand. They are also set to face one another this month.
We are really now in the business end of the campaign and it’s not likely that things will get any easier for Arteta. In fact, the pressure will continue to ramp up the closer we get to the summer.
Crashing out of Europe (if it happens!) would turn a soul-destroying period into a real test of character.
| Date (Time) | Opponent (H/A) | Competition |
| 07/04 (20:00) | Sporting CP (A) | Champions League |
| 11/04 (12:30) | Bournemouth (H) | Premier League |
| 15/04 (20:00) | Sporting CP (H) | Champions League |
| 19/04 (16:30) | Manchester City (A) | Premier League |
| 25/04 (17:30) | Newcastle United (H) | Premier League |
But travelling to the Etihad Stadium to face City – a team who have proved in recent weeks that they will not blink between now and the end of the 2025/26 campaign – is where it could all come crashing down.
The Manchester-based outfit currently have the upper hand in proceedings given they won the Carabao Cup final with relative ease on 22 March – but Arsenal will be keen to return the favour.
