Alan Shearer says Arsenal have a ‘really good probability’ on this yr’s Champions League – however the ex-England striker is backing Paris Saint-Germain to successfully defend their crown.
Arsenal prolonged their perfect start in Europe with victory over Inter Milan this evening, beating last yr’s runners-up 3-1 to maneuver six points clear at the highest of the league phase table.
Gabriel Jesus struck either side of a thunderous 18th-minute effort from Petar Sucic and Viktor Gyokeres added a 3rd to secure the visitors a spot within the knockout phase of the competition.
Domestically, it’s been an identical story for the Gunners, with Arteta’s men sitting pretty atop the Premier League table and boasting a seven-point advantage over their nearest rivals.
However the north Londoners have been burnt time and time again lately under Arteta and know silverware is much from guaranteed – after three successive runners-up finishes within the English top flight.
It’s been 22 years since Arsenal last tasted success within the Premier League, when Arsene Wenger’s fabled ‘Invincibles’ side went your entire campaign unbeaten.
And within the Champions League, a painful defeat within the 2006 final by the hands of Barcelona stays the club’s best-ever finish – an unwanted record Arteta’s squad wish to put right this season.
Get your football fix
Don’t desire to miss the week’s biggest football stories? Metro’s exclusive football newsletter, In The Mixer, is your essential guide.
From the newest transfer rumours and managerial moves to evaluation of the most important games and lots more, our experts have you ever covered.
Join here, it’s an open goal.
Nevertheless, a season on from their thumping 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, Shearer envisages PSG going all the way in which again
‘There isn’t any doubt that this mob tonight, Arsenal, have gotten a very good probability of being there,’ Shearer said on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage before the Gunners’ win in Italy.
‘But I just think due to what PSG did last yr, the players that they’ve, I’m just going to edge it with PSG.
‘But Arsenal won’t be far-off.’
Asked who he sees PSG beating in the ultimate, the previous Newcastle centre-forward replied: ‘Probably Arsenal.
‘I don’t think so [that it would be a 5-0 scoreline again if PSG did face Arsenal in the final].
‘I believe with the arrogance and the assumption that Arsenal have. And also you’ve seen with the turnover of players when it comes to the squad that he can leave on the squad and so they still look a really, very strong team and a team able to coming and winning here tonight [at Inter].
‘That will definitely help them within the moments ahead so, yeah, PSG and Arsenal [as favourites].’
Turning his attentions to domestic matters, Shearer confidently predicted Arsenal would end their long wait for the Premier League trophy after their high quality start.
The Premier League’s all-time top scorer believes the return to fitness of each Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz might be key over the approaching weeks and months.
‘I believe they’ll win the Premier League with the seven point advantage they’ve got,’ Shearer said.
‘It was a very good weekend for them with Manchester City and Aston Villa dropping points again.
‘Again, I’m going back to the squad and what number of changes they will make. It doesn’t affect them.
‘They’re getting injuries back with Gabriel Jesus and with Kai Havertz as well.
‘And I believe defensively… that’s the important thing for me, that they only don’t give many goals away and so they’re so strong on the back.
‘So I believe they’ll go ahead and so they’ll do it.’
Despite a shock derby day defeat to Manchester United on the weekend, Shearer still sees Manchester City as a slight threat to Arsenal’s title hopes.
‘I believe Manchester City will push Arsenal all the way in which,’ he explained.
‘Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi are superb signings. We’ve already seen Semenyo have an effect albeit not a lot on the weekend.
‘Their problems are definitely defensively. They definitely needed any individual to assist them out within the centre-back position and Guehi is a superb addition.
‘They are going to push them due to their experience but I’m undecided they’ll have enough and Arsenal will take it.’
Will PSG defend their Champions League title?
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Wayne Rooney hoping ‘clever’ Arsenal star is overlooked against Man Utd
MORE: ‘Proved me improper’ – Theo Walcott says Arsenal star has ‘surprised’ him after Inter win
MORE: Wayne Rooney backs Arsenal signing to change into ‘great player’ after mixed start