The Premier League title still in Arsenal’s hands despite a worrying dip in form, according to former England captain Alan Shearer, who believes the Gunners remain firmly in control of their destiny if they can respond positively to mounting pressure in the final stretch of the season.
Arsenal’s grip on the title race has loosened in recent weeks following a run of frustrating results that have reignited belief among their rivals. The most damaging moment came when they squandered a commanding 2-0 advantage to draw 2-2 against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a side entrenched in a relegation battle.
That collapse raised uncomfortable questions about game management, concentration, and composure at moments when champions are expected to assert authority.
That result followed another costly slip just days earlier, as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw away to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Two draws from winning positions meant Mikel Arteta’s side missed the opportunity to create breathing space at the top of the table, instead allowing the chasing pack to close the gap and intensify scrutiny on every remaining fixture.
Those dropped points prevented Arsenal from moving seven points clear of reigning champions Manchester City, whose relentless consistency over the past decade has made them the benchmark in English football.
With City still to host Newcastle United, and Arsenal preparing for a high-stakes North London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur, the title race has entered a phase where momentum can swing dramatically from week to week.
Despite these setbacks, Shearer insists the bigger picture remains clear. “The Premier League title is also still in Arsenal’s hands because if they win every game, they win the league,” he said, speaking on an Arsenal-focused social media platform.
His message was blunt but reassuring: Arsenal’s fate has not been wrestled away from them. Win the remaining matches, and the trophy will return to north London regardless of what their rivals achieve.
Shearer was quick to acknowledge, however, that the battle is not a simple one-horse race. “Technically it’s in both of their hands,” he added, referring to Arsenal and Manchester City, while pointing to the looming clash between the two sides later in the season as a moment that could define the campaign.
The meeting at the Etihad Stadium in April has long been circled in red ink by supporters, pundits, and analysts alike, and recent results have only heightened its significance.
While Arsenal’s mathematical position remains strong, their form has sparked concern. Shearer highlighted a stark statistic that underlines why anxiety has crept into the fanbase.
Arsenal have won just two of their last seven matches, a return that would be unacceptable at any stage of the season, but particularly alarming during a title run-in. “That’s a massive concern,” he said, echoing the unease felt by many observers who fear that pressure may be beginning to weigh heavily on a relatively young squad.
Yet football seasons are rarely defined solely by cold numbers. Context, psychology, and response matter just as much, and Shearer believes the next fixture could provide the spark Arsenal need.
The upcoming North London derby, played away from home against a Tottenham side undergoing change, represents a chance to reset the narrative. “After what happened on Wednesday evening, I’d be looking to the next game,” he said. “I would actually love it to be a huge one.”
For Arsenal, the derby offers more than local bragging rights. It presents an opportunity to silence critics, reassert authority, and remind rivals that they are still capable of delivering under pressure.
Tottenham’s situation adds another layer of intrigue, with a new manager in place and players eager to make an impression. Such circumstances can create unpredictability, but they also sharpen focus, particularly for a team chasing the biggest prize in English football.
Arsenal’s season to date has been built on a blend of tactical discipline, youthful energy, and moments of individual brilliance. For long stretches, they have looked like a side comfortable with the burden of leading the league, playing with confidence and clarity.
Recent draws, however, have exposed vulnerabilities that opponents will be eager to exploit. Defensive lapses, missed chances, and a failure to kill games off have turned potential victories into shared spoils.
Still, history suggests that title races are rarely smooth journeys. Even dominant champions endure spells of doubt, and Shearer’s comments serve as a reminder that perspective is essential.
Arsenal remain in front, still masters of their own fate, and still capable of responding with authority. The margin for error has narrowed, but it has not disappeared.
Much will depend on how Arteta’s side handle the psychological demands of the weeks ahead. Every fixture now carries the weight of consequence, every dropped point magnified.
The pressure from Manchester City, a team renowned for closing seasons with ruthless efficiency, is real and unrelenting. Yet Arsenal have already shown this season that they can compete toe-to-toe with the very best, both domestically and in high-profile encounters.
Shearer’s verdict ultimately reflects a belief that championships are won not by perfection, but by resilience. Arsenal’s recent wobble has not removed them from pole position; it has simply tested their resolve.
The response, starting with the North London derby and extending through decisive clashes later in the campaign, will determine whether the Premier League title still in Arsenal’s hands becomes a defining truth or a missed opportunity.
As the season enters its decisive phase, the narrative remains finely balanced. Arsenal are no longer cruising, but they are not chasing either.
They stand at a crossroads where composure, belief, and execution will decide their fate. If they can steady themselves, rediscover their edge, and rise to the biggest occasions, Shearer’s confidence may yet be fully justified — and the Premier League trophy could still find its way back to the Emirates.
Read also: Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Europa League playoff: Forest dominate Istanbul with 3-0 victory
