Gary Lineker has revealed his latest Premier League title prediction after Arsenal gave Manchester City more hope by drawing to Wolves.
The Gunners, bidding to win the title for the primary time in 22 years, took a commanding two-goal lead over Wolves, the team sitting bottom of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to maneuver seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City after goals in the beginning of every half from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie.
But Wolves produced an unlikely comeback to clinch just their tenth point of the season and dent Arsenal’s title hopes.
The Gunners shall be eager to return to winning ways on Sunday after they face north London rivals Tottenham, but could see their lead within the title race cut to only two points before that derby as Man City face Newcastle United yesterday.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson admitted he was hugely concerned for his former club’s title possibilities after the Wolves draw and Lineker also acknowledged it was a blow for the league leaders.
However the ex-England striker doesn’t expect the surprising draw to derail Arsenal’s title charge and remains to be backing the north London side to beat Man City to the Premier League trophy.
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Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: ‘Do you’re thinking that Arsenal just must grow a pair? I do know it’s easier said than done but get yourself together and be a bit more aggressive.
‘Be a bit more on the front foot, especially after they get ahead. Is it only a mindset problem for Arsenal, is it a bit stutter within the season which every team will undergo sooner or later?
‘I believe they’ll still go on to win the title myself, but this is likely to be a bit shot within the arm that they should sort out. Man City at the moment are just the five points behind Arsenal and so they have that game in hand.
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‘I suppose the query is can City be as consistently sensible as they were after they won the title 4 seasons in a row, in that period that just about won every game after Christmas, you couldn’t see them dropping points.
‘I’m not quite sure Man City are there or might be as consistent enough to trace Arsenal down.’
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, meanwhile, says ‘cracks are starting to indicate’ in an Arsenal side which have finished as runners-up for the past three seasons.
‘Cracks are starting to indicate now for Arsenal,’ he told Betfair. ‘Being 2-0 up after which being pegged back as they were by the team bottom of the Premier League in Wolves doesn’t look good.
‘But I just about expected this. I never thought they’d run away with it. Very rarely do teams try this, particularly with teams that haven’t won it for a very long time like Arsenal.
‘So, from that standpoint, I get it and understand it but that might be a priority, and whether or not they prefer it or not, the noise will get lots louder for Arsenal now.
‘Are you able to imagine how loud it’ll be if Tottenham beat them on Sunday as well? But I feel for the neutral, it’s sensible.
‘I feel it sets up a title race which goes to be exciting between now and the tip of the season. That game on the Etihad in April was all the time going to be a key game.’
Shearer also pinpointed Manchester City’s dramatic comeback win over Liverpool because the ‘game-changing’ moment within the title race.
Man City were staring down the barrel of a nine-point deficit within the title race after they trailed Liverpool at Anfield, but then scored two late goals to secure an enormous victory.
‘I do think Man City’s result at Anfield was a game-changer,’ Shearer added. ‘It may need been very difference had they not turned it around, there wouldn’t be a lot pressure on Arsenal.’
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