Alan Shearer highlights Arsenal's edge over Manchester City in the title race

Alan Shearer feels that Arsenal holds a crucial edge over Manchester City in their quest to topple Pep Guardiola’s team and secure their first Premier League championship in years.

The Gunners have challenged for the Premier League crown over the last two seasons but come up just short on both occasions, with Man City twice pipping Arsenal in closely-fought title races.

The two teams are already sat first and second in the Premier League table and many pundits expect them to contest another title race in the absence of many other strong contenders.

Manchester City, seeking a record-extending fifth successive title, are yet to drop any points this term, beating Chelsea, Ipswich Town, West Ham and Brentford in an impressive and formidable start to the season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, who lasted lifted the Premier League title in 2004, have won three of their opening four games, drawing with Brighton before the international break but returning to winning ways in Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.

Gabriel’s second-half header gave Arsenal the lead at Tottenham and the hosts were unable to respond as Arteta’s strong defence held firm to secure a crucial win and north London bragging rights.

England legend Shearer believes the game was further proof that Arsenal boast the ‘best back four’ in the Premier League and says the victory bodes well for what they hope will be a successful title charge.

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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: ‘I think once Arsenal go 1-0 up against you, they’re tough to get back.

‘They’ve got the best back four in the Premier League, without a shadow of a doubt. They don’t give hardly anything away.

‘Spurs just kept trying to put hopeful balls into the box and Arsenal dealt with it easily. They deserved the three points Arsenal, without playing particularly well, which has to be a good sign.’

Arsenal conceded the fewest number of goals of any Premier League team last season and boast the joint-best defensive record so far this term.

The Gunners begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta on Thursday night before facing Premier League title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

This fixture ended goalless towards the end of last season, while Arsenal won the corresponding match in north London 1-0 thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal.

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