Arsenal all but ruled out of title race as Alan Shearer makes Premier League prediction

Alan Shearer has warned Arsenal that they cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to win the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side have secured just one point from their last three league matches. Consecutive defeats to Newcastle United and Bournemouth has seen them tumble out of the top four, where they are now seven points behind current league leaders Liverpool.

While Manchester City have also dropped points in recent weeks, the Gunners have already lost a lot of ground. Injuries to Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori have been a big blow for Mikel Arteta, while the likes of Declan Rice, Gabriel Saliba and Leandro Trossard have also been given costly red cards this season.

The Gunners travel to west London next in the top flight to face a mightily improved Chelsea side, in what could well prove to be a crucial match for their hopes of glory in the current campaign. Enzo Maresca's Blues are currently in fourth position and have only narrowly lost to title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool this season.

They are also marginally ahead of Arteta's side on goal difference, with Arsenal now outside of the Champions League places in fifth.

Considering the points they have already dropped, Shearer believes Arsenal's title chances are close to being over.

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In an interview with Betfair, the Newcastle United legend said: "When you look at the standard of Manchester City's title wins in recent years, and the number of points needed to win the league, you are traditionally needing to hit 90+ points to be champions.

"That is now going to take some doing for Arsenal from this position after the situation that they're in. They will have to be near faultless between now and the end of the season, which is a huge ask."

While Shearer made his concern for Arsenal crystal clear, he also admitted that they may be able to catch up with their rivals. He added: "I'm not so sure that many points will be required this season [to win the Premier League].

"I may be wrong with Liverpool flying right now, of course, but other than Liverpool fans, a lot of people thought Liverpool under Arne Slot would see a little bit of a transition phase, and that it might take a year or two for them to come back and challenge.

"From what we've seen in the first 10 games, Liverpool are not going away. So, Arsenal cannot afford to drop too many more points.

"I originally tipped Arsenal to win the title, and I'm not going to change my mind just yet. However, if they get beaten again this weekend then that will change my answer next week."

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