Arsenal could go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table this weekend if they defeat Chelsea and other results go their favour
Alan Shearer has insisted that Manchester City remain Arsenal’s biggest rival in the Premier League title race. Gary Lineker, however, has suggested that Chelsea could be serious contenders.
The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to six points after a dominant 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s side ruled the roost at the Emirates Stadium, with Leandro Trossard opening the scoring before Eberechi Eze bagged an unforgettable hat-trick.
Arsenal took full advantage of Manchester City’s defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday, creating a seven-point buffer over Pep Guardiola’s team and a six-point lead over Chelsea. Meanwhile, the Club World Cup champions moved up to second place after clinching a 2-0 victory against Burnley.
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As for Liverpool, they slipped to 11th following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast about the title race, Lineker pointed out Chelsea’s rise as potential challengers, having notched up five wins in their last six Premier League matches.
However, Shearer brushed off the idea, pinpointing City as the team that will pose the biggest threat to Arsenal’s title hopes this season. The Newcastle United legend said: “I’d still say City because we’ve seen City after Christmas do it, they are used to it, they can do it, and we know that.
“It’s different because defensively they are not as good as they have been, but because they have been there and know what to expect, I would still say it would be Man City.”
Micah Richards agreed with Shearer. The former Manchester City goalkeeper said: “I would say Man City as well, but Chelsea can beat anyone on their day. I think they can put in some really good performances, as we saw at the Club World Cup. But I don’t think they have enough at the moment to go all the way, but they are improving.”
The Gunners have been in blistering form since losing to Liverpool in August. They’ve recorded 13 wins and two draws from their last 15 games across all competitions.
Seven of those victories have come in the Premier League – a run which has fired them to the top of the table. Speaking about his side’s position at the summit after the North London Derby, Arteta said: “We are doing really well, we’ve been really consistent, and that’s it.
“I mean, when you look at the results, whether they win or lose, the difference in the scoreline and actually what happens in games is really small. We know that. We need players back immediately today.
“We’ve got Noni back on the pitch, which is great, but we’re still missing a lot, a lot of important players, and we’re going to need all of them.
“The good news is we lost big Gabi, which is a massive blow, and Piero [Hincapie] comes in, and I think he was fantastic from the beginning.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
