Football

BBC Pundit ‘Really Impressed’ with Arsenal after North London Derby Win

BBC Pundit ‘Really Impressed’ with Arsenal after North London Derby Win
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard (second right) and team-mates celebrate in front of the away fans following in victory in the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday January 15, 2023. - Photo by Icon sport

Pundit and former football star Alan Shearer has said that Arsenal “have to be favorites” to win the Premier League after they defeated arch-rivals Spurs by two goals with ease at the weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Writing in his regular column for BBC Sport, Shearer said that the side were going to take “some shifting” from the top of the Premier League table based on recent performances.

Though the side still have half the season to go, the pundit stated that the league leaders don’t look “fazed” as the forerunners for the league, despite their inexperience in this position.

Arsenal ‘Superb’ in Win Over Rivals

Shearer said that the side’s “superb” win over Tottenham in Sunday’s North London Derby was proof that the young side will remain the primary contenders for this season’s title.

In the first half we saw their attacking intent and creativity, pressing Spurs to keep them penned in their own half and then capitalising on their mistakes,” Shearer said.

Arsenal had more defending to do in the second half but they were just as good without the ball and, when Tottenham did get through, Aaron Ramsdale put in a brilliant goalkeeping performance to keep them out,” the pundit explained.

“I was really impressed with their whole team, from front to back, and it looks like they have got the required steel – plus the bit of bite and hunger – that they will need in the next few months,” he stated.

Arsenal currently lead the standings in the English top flight by eight points after 1 games played. Man City sit in second on 39 points while Newcastle and then Man United (separated by goal difference) trail City by a single point.

Shearer said that the outfit must now try their best to stay in the lead, after falling out of the Champions League places in the final games of last season. The ex-Newcastle United star striker was keen to praise the job that manager Mikel Arteta has done with Arsenal.

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Arteta’s Success as Arsenal Manager

The pundit was complimentary of the mentality that the coach has developed within the Gunner squad.

Arteta has assembled a talented squad, with an excellent attitude and they look very comfortable with what he wants them to do,” the BBC columnist said.

“As well as their great will to win, they are strong in every position and they have coped with every injury they have suffered, including Gabriel Jesus who was so important for them at the start of the season, but has not played since the World Cup,” Shearer said,  “Eddie Nketiah has led the line so well, it has meant Jesus has not been missed.

“Tactically, it looks like Arteta is ready for anything too,” Shearer explained, “He certainly out-thought Spurs boss Antonio Conte with his gameplan on Sunday, especially in the first half when it seemed like Arsenal had an extra man in every area of the pitch.”

With games versus Man United and Man City yet to come for Arsenal, Shearer said the side will still face some “huge hurdles” before the season is out. Still, the pundit is confident they will stay in contention.

“But every game is a big one when you are top and at the moment they are looking really strong whoever they play. They are clearly full of confidence and right now it feels like they are going to be hard to stop.”

 


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