English pundit and former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has declared that Arsenal’s defensive solidity and set-piece ability give them a significant advantage over other Premier League title contenders, Liverpool and Manchester City. Shearer made these remarks during a recent appearance as a guest on The Rest is Football podcast. He emphasized that Arsenal’s current position at the top of the table, where they lead second-placed Bournemouth by four points, is largely due to these strengths. Manchester City and Liverpool are further back in fifth and seventh places respectively.

Adding to their credentials, Arsenal have maintained an impressive defensive record this season, keeping six clean sheets while conceding only three goals. Shearer argued that this, combined with their set-piece threat, sets them apart. He stated, “The huge advantage Arsenal have over Liverpool, Man City, and whoever else thinks they can challenge is the defence and the set-pieces.”

Shearer further explained that Arsenal’s capacity to secure victories even when not performing at their best puts them in a commanding position. He said, “They are in the driving seat because of their ability to just win a game even when they are not playing well. That is a result of the set-pieces and how good they are at the back, and that is why they have got such a clear lead at the top of the Premier League at the moment.”