“They will be out of the title race before they know it” - Alan Shearer sends warning shots to Arsenal amid 3-horse race for Premier League crown
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has sent a warning to Arsenal ahead of their big Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday, October 27. The former Newcastle United striker insisted Mikel Arteta's side must maintain their discipline if they are to win the Premier League title.
Arsenal have already fallen behind league leaders Liverpool by four points and second-placed Manchester City by three points after eight games. The Gunners have been let down by their disciplinary issues, having seen as many as three red cards in the league this season.
Alan Shearer claimed that the north London giants must show better discipline. He highlighted that Ben White was substituted early in their 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek as he was at risk of a second yellow.
Shearer, who won the Premier League in 1994-95 with Blackburn Rovers, told Betfair via The Mirror:
"So far this season, Arsenal have had three Premier League matches where they have been shown a red card, and with nine points available, they’ve only taken two points. Whether you agree with the red card decisions or not, that must change."
"You can’t continue to play over an hour in games with ten men. Even in this week’s Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk, with Ben White ’s yellow card in the first half, they took him off at half-time out of fear he could be sent off," he added.
Although Shearer praised Arsenal's relentless desire to win every game, he insisted the Gunners must keep their cool.
"It could be a combination of pressure and being too pumped up for games which is causing players to be sent off. I like that they’ve got a bit of a bite about them, they don’t like being beaten and when it doesn’t go their way they come together - that’s a good trait to have," the legendary striker said.
"But you’ve got to be disciplined in what you’re doing, and they were told when the referees went around the clubs before a ball was kicked this season to explain the rules, and what they will be clamping down on," he added.
Shearer claimed that if the Gunners lose against Liverpool on Sunday, they could be out of the title race. The former England striker said:
"It hasn't happened to all the other teams, so it must be an issue of ill-discipline at Arsenal. Going forwards, that must change otherwise they will be out of the title race before they know it."
"We have a huge game on Sunday at the Emirates, and If Liverpool were to win and increase their gap to seven points over Arsenal, that would be huge after nine games," he continued.
Shearer added:
"Arsenal are at home though and they need to bounce back in the league after last week’s defeat. They did just that in the Champions League with a win, and whilst it wasn't a great performance, it felt like the result really mattered."
"They perhaps may have another injury now too with Riccardo Califiori going off injured, but they are at home so it'll be a great atmosphere and that will benefit Mikel Arteta’s side. It's going to be a fantastic game with so much riding on it already early in the season," he concluded.
Mikel Arteta's side posed a strong challenge to Manchester City in the Premier League in the last two seasons, losing the title by just five and two points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season under new manager Arne Slot, winning 11 of their first 12 games across competitions.
Graeme Souness picks the better team between Arsenal and Liverpool right now
Liverpool icon Graeme Souness claimed that Arsenal are a better side compared to the Reds despite the Merseyside giants' exceptional start to the season. He believes the Gunners and Manchester City are well ahead of Liverpool in terms of quality.
Souness, who served the Reds as a player and a manager, insisted that Arne Slot's side have a long way to go to become title challengers. Speaking on the Up Front Podcast, the Scot said:
“I think that in the beginning, I couldn’t see any difference to the way they were playing, but I think, and I’ve not seen them live, so I wouldn’t say 100% I’m correct on this, but they certainly drop off a bit more. Are they a bit more patient than they’re built up? Yes."
The three-time European Cup winner with Liverpool added:
“Have they convinced me yet? No, because I’m looking at Arsenal and I’m looking at City and I think right now they’re still a wee bit ahead of them. But you know, he’s made the most fantastic start."
“I think his management style would be enjoyed by the players but they’ve been winning games. His problems will start when they start to lose a few games, then we’ll see if the players are still thinking the same about them. Managers are two different people,” Souness concluded.
Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League table with 21 points from eight games. They are leading Pep Guardiola's Manchester City by a point and Arsenal by four points.