Alan Shearer believes Arsenal have a key edge over Manchester City in the personnel stakes, in this season's title race.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer says he believes that the Gunners' defensive capabilities could be the difference this time around, as they look to best Man City to the title on their third attempt in a row.
Shearer made his comments are Arsenal beat their fiercest rivals Tottenham 1-0, with a gritty yet convincing performance away from home.
Gunners defender Gabriel proved to be the difference, after scoring a towering header from a Bukayo Saka-delivered corner in the 64th minute.
He then made light of the home side's efforts to equalise, putting in an assured performance alongside centre-back partner William Saliba.
Pointing towards their defensive line, Shearer says he believes Arsenal have the best defence in the league, and this resilience will help them in the business end of the season.
'I think once Arsenal go 1-0 up against you, they're tough to get back, because they are,' Shearer told co-host Gary Lineker.
'They don't give hardly anything away, Spurs just kept trying to put hopeful balls into the box and Arsenal dealt with it easily.
They deserved the three points Arsenal, without playing particularly well, which has to be a good sign.'
Arsenal have three clean sheets in four games, including twice away from home in games against Spurs and Aston Villa.
Lineker similarly offered praise for Arsenal's defence, and in particularly, Gabriel's efforts.
'I mean we've mentioned Saliba a lot but that partnership with him and Gabriel is very strong, as you just said Alan,' Lineker said.
'I mean, Gabriel's a warrior, isn't he? He's a player you'd really want on your side and he does chip in with the odd goal.'
Arsenal are back in Champions League action this week as they take on Atalanta, before heading to the Etihad to take on City on Sunday, in what will be the toughest test of their title credentials so far, this season.
Spurs, meanwhile, travel to Coventry in Carabao Cup on Wednesday, before they host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
filbot
0
Come Sunday and Arsenal will be 5 point behind MANCHESTER City after 5 games. Pundits will be crying😢
You will be crying because you are so worried about it.
yutacdipst
0
I think Liverpool will be City's fiercest rival this season, not Arsenal tbh.
We don't care but u can't survive arsenal on Sunday
Kuriadavid
0
You may have the best defence but you can't stop Haaland from scoring.
Community shield isn’t a cup yet city have that cup and we ain’t talk about that cup🤣
Caebklmyz
0
Arsenal always wins the EPL at the beginning of every season. That's the weakest point and the reason they always fail. Counting your chickens before they hatch leads to your painful downfall. Matches are only won on the fields not by armchair pundits forecasts.
Lovebug2
1
Come Sunday and Arsenal will be 5 point behind MANCHESTER City after 5 games. Pundits will be crying😢
Kem5555
0
halaand always goes missing against Arsenal.
Arsenal always goes missing on EPL Race Or even wining EPL
Sisckmpsu
1
So those 13 trophies they won wasn’t man city participate? Or they were playing championship league?
boy go back to that time and live your life in that time na , and leave us in this new time that we are now mumu 😂😂😂😂😂 u come dey tell us about 20 years back 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Zuabceprsu
0
without Odegaard ,Rice & Moreno they can buat Spurs...It's amazing
even Newcastle beat Tottenham so beating Tottenham is not a new thing
Adamudegunner
0
I know One thing That Arsenal Can never take EPL Trophy from City No matter how good they play
So those 13 trophies they won wasn’t man city participate? Or they were playing championship league?
Adamudegunner
0
When last did he scored against Arsenal is the question don’t be stupid
Just two years ago community shield
Adamudegunner
1
I think Liverpool will be City's fiercest rival this season, not Arsenal tbh.
Liar 🤥
Ceudeknpru
1
Last year they stopped Haaland so how is the guarantee that he will score this time or they will not stop him this time.
Domcemsuyz
1
You may have the best defence but you can't stop Haaland from scoring.
halaand always goes missing against Arsenal.
Dameksz
0
Just wait until one player gets injured
Odegard
Domcemsuyz
1
Just wait until one player gets injured
you will wait till eternity
Bidcdlpt
1
tell us when last arsenal lift a trophy over him.?
When last did he scored against Arsenal is the question don’t be stupid
Dameksz
1
Just wait until one player gets injured
Mikdiklrt
1
look they always say the same thing and still no difference
jaudekoy
0
just remind us when he last scored against Arsenal?
also tell us how many trophy arsenal have won since haaland arrive
jaudekoy
0
just remind us when he last scored against Arsenal?
tell us when last arsenal lift a trophy over him.?
Fuhbdeinor
4
I think Liverpool will be City's fiercest rival this season, not Arsenal tbh.
Makbciu
1
You may have the best defence but you can't stop Haaland from scoring.
just remind us when he last scored against Arsenal?
Allfootball1995
3
You may have the best defence but you can't stop Haaland from scoring.
safarimiraji1
0
at least we have good news at our side
Ricabnpz
2
it's too early to comment on the title winning for Arsenal. 20 games will determine the winner, these ex English players are misleading the media
wusbmnrsz
4
Arsenal played like Promoted team so Alan should Shut his mouth & try Not to b PC of shit Piers Morgan
Gunner_14
0
I know One thing That Arsenal Can never take EPL Trophy from City No matter how good they play
we're not in line to take EPL trophy from city, we rather prefer it getting new!
yuhbeotuyz
0
I know One thing That Arsenal Can never take EPL Trophy from City No matter how good they play
Small god, well done. We shall see
viucdelnz
3
I know One thing That Arsenal Can never take EPL Trophy from City No matter how good they play
lihabilmpy
3
without Odegaard ,Rice & Moreno they can buat Spurs...It's amazing