Alan Shearer reflects on personal experience to make Premier League title prediction

At the beginning of March, Arsenal top the Premier League table, sitting five points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City, but having played a game more. As both teams prepare for games on Wednesday, England legend and football pundit Alan Shearer has said Arsenal are the favourites.

Shearer won the Premier League in 1994/95 as a player for Blackburn Rovers, so he speaks from experience on whether it is better to be leading or chasing in the title race.

In his view, points on the board and setting the pace is the preferrable scenario, putting the Gunnars in pole position to take the crown this season.

Shearer makes Arsenal title favourites

“It’s better to be chased,” Shearer told the BBC.

“When you are at the top of the league it’s in your hands and if you keep winning your games, as difficult as it is, the teams that are chasing you don’t have any answers.”

With nine games left to play for the North London side, Arsenal have their fate in their own hands. There’s a lot to be said for that, although they have little to no room for error and City will likely push them all the way.

Experience can be key in a title race

Shearer went on to compare the situation being in front or trying to claw back the deficit. He referenced the importance of mentality, which could be a factor that favours Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, given their track record in recent years.

“It does depend on if you have been in that position before. In my second year at Blackburn we were top or second, it was slipping and sliding backwards and forwards,” said Shearer.

“But because we had not been in that situation before and Manchester United were a team that had been successful then it was more difficult for us.

“The season after we were mostly top of the league but United were closing us down. They were saying and doing everything they could, including getting the correct results when we slipped up, and we found it difficult but we managed to find a way.”

However the title race pans out, it is sure to be an intense and fascinating battle with both sides still competing on all fronts, including the Carabao Cup where they will face each other in the final.