“I don’t think they’re going to go away” - Alan Shearer names Premier League title favorites after being ‘disappointed’ by Arsenal

Football pundit Alan Shearer believes Manchester City remain the favorites to win the Premier League title this season despite their recent loss to Bournemouth. He also expressed disappointment in Arsenal's drastic drop in form, with the Gunners now falling outside the top four.

The recent Premier League gameweek saw both Arsenal and Manchester City lose their respective matches. While Mikel Arteta's men lost 1-0 to Newcastle United on Saturday (November 2), Bournemouth got the better of City with a 2-1 scoreline on the same day.

Liverpool, meanwhile, continued their amazing run this season to go top of the league table with a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Analyzing the results on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer noted (via Metro):

"I would still say the favorites are Man City, but it’s close. Liverpool have been much better than I thought they would be. I didn’t think they’d be challenging but they are, there’s no doubt about that. I don’t think they’re going to go away.

"I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal and I tipped them before the season started. You’d still say Man City are just favorites because they’ve been around the block."

The Reds lead Pep Guardiola's side, who are second, by two points after 10 league games. Arsenal, on the other hand, have fallen way off the course and are fifth, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards comment on Premier League title race between Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal

Football pundit Gary Lineker agreed with Alan Shearer's assessment that Manchester City remained the favorites to win the title despite their latest blip. He further added that he was surprised to see Arne Slot's side putting up a mighty fight.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former England international opined (via Metro):

"City have been there, done it four times on the bounce now. You wonder if that will catch up with them at some point because it’s so difficult to keep having that absolute drive that gets them over the line.

"I would say they’re still favourites. I backed them at the start of the season and I wouldn’t change my mind now. Liverpool are genuine title contenders and I think that’s been a surprise. Following in the enormous shoes of Jurgen Klopp was always going to be difficult but Slot looks like a perfect fit."

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards also had his say on the title race. He backed Guardiola's side to go all the way due to their recent history. He added:

"I would still go with Man City just because of what’s happened in the past. I would still say they’re favorites, just."

If City do go all the way, this will be their fifth consecutive Premier League title.