Alan Shearer has named the ‘favourite’ to win the Premier League after a dramatic weekend at the top of the table in which Manchester City and Arsenal both lost.
Arsenal’s wobble continued in Saturday’s early kick-off as the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked in fine fettle at the start of the season but have now picked up just one point from their last three games.
The defeat, which was inspired by Alexander Isak’s first-half header, leaves Arsenal seven points behind current leaders Liverpool and five behind Man City.
Manchester City were the only team with an unbeaten record before the weekend but Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-1 to in-form Bournemouth to relinquish their position at the top of the table.
Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock inside ten minutes before Evanilson doubled Bournemouth’s lead on the hour mark.
Ilkay Gundogan gave the defending champions hope with a late goal but Bournemouth held on to beat yet another title contender and end City’s 32-game unbeaten run, a record that stretched back to last December.
While Man City and Arsenal both suffered setbacks, Liverpool continued their impressive run under new boss Arne Slot with a home win over Brighton, though they were certainly made to work for it.
Ferdi Kadioglu’s fine strike gave Brighton an early lead but goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool come from behind and go top of the Premier League.
Despite Liverpool’s slender advantage at the top of the table, England legend Shearer still views Man City as ‘favourites’ to win the Premier League for the fifth year in a row.
‘I would still say the favourites are Man City, but it’s close,’ Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast.
‘Liverpool have been much better than I thought they would be. I didn’t think they’d be challenging but they are, there’s no doubt about that. I don’t think they’re going to go away.
‘I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal and I tipped them before the season started. You’d still say Man City are just favourites because they’ve been around the block.’
Responding to Shearer’s take on the title race, Gary Lineker said: ‘I think I agree. City have been there, done it four times on the bounce now.
‘You wonder if that will catch up with them at some point because it’s so difficult to keep having that absolute drive that gets them over the line.
‘I would say they’re still favourites. I backed them at the start of the season and I wouldn’t change my mind now.
‘Liverpool are genuine title contenders and I think that’s been a surprise. Following in the enormous shoes of Jurgen Klopp was always going to be difficult but Slot looks like a perfect fit.’
Micah Richards, meanwhile, added: ‘I would still go with Man City just because of what’s happened in the past. I would still say they’re favourites, just.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.