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As the 2025/26 Premier League season enters its decisive final stretch, Arsenal remain firmly in the title hunt, but the narrative around their chances has shifted — even in the eyes of one of football’s most respected pundits, Alan Shearer.
Earlier in the campaign, Shearer was unequivocally bullish about Mikel Arteta’s side. Following impressive performances and a strong lead at the top, the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer declared he “can’t see a weakness” in Arsenal. He praised their balance, set-piece prowess, and overall dominance, suggesting this could finally be the year they end their long wait for the title.
That confidence has been tested in recent weeks. After Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in mid-April and a nervy 1-0 home win over Newcastle United, Shearer admitted his outlook had cooled. While impressed by Arsenal’s brave showing at the Etihad, he found their performance against Newcastle “nervy and edgy” against a side in poor form.
Shearer has repeatedly highlighted Arsenal’s earlier dropped points — particularly the defeat to Bournemouth — as potentially more damaging than the loss to City. “I think that’s the result that might cost them the league rather than this weekend,” he noted, contrasting their flat display against Bournemouth with a more positive, albeit defeated, effort against the champions.
Following City’s victory at the Etihad, Shearer shifted his prediction, backing Pep Guardiola’s side to go on and win the title due to their momentum, experience, and current form. “If City won this game… I do believe they’ll now go on and win it,” he said.
### The Current Title Race Landscape
As of late April 2026, the race remains intensely tight. Arsenal sit top with 73 points from 34 games, three points clear of Manchester City (70 points from 33 games, with a game in hand). Both teams boast near-identical goal differences, making every remaining fixture critical.
Arsenal have shown resilience by reclaiming the lead with a hard-fought win over Newcastle, but the pressure is mounting. City, buoyed by their derby win and FA Cup progress, carry dangerous momentum into the run-in.
Shearer, ever the realist, acknowledges Arsenal’s quality while stressing the mental and tactical demands of the closing stages. A draw at the Etihad would have suited Arsenal, but the dropped points earlier in the month have handed the initiative — and favourites’ tag — to their rivals.
Whether Arsenal can rediscover the imperious form Shearer once admired, or if City’s experience will prevail, will define the season. With games running out, results will matter far more than performances. The Gunners still have destiny in their own hands — but as Shearer has shown, the margin for error is now razor-thin.
