Alan Shearer Backs Arsenal Title Push After Chelsea Win

Alan Shearer says Arsenal title momentum remains strong after their gritty 2-1 win over Chelsea, backing them to finish the job this season.

Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, insisting Mikel Arteta’s side have the mentality and resilience to finish the job — even after a scrappy 2–1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The former England striker admitted the performance was far from flawless, but believes Arsenal’s ability to grind out results is exactly what title-winning teams do.

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The Gunners restored their five-point lead at the top of the table with another set-piece-driven victory. William Saliba headed Arsenal in front from a corner before Chelsea equalised through a Piero Hincapié own goal. Jurriën Timber then sealed the win with another header from a corner in the second half, while Pedro Neto’s red card left Chelsea chasing the game. David Raya’s late save ensured the points stayed in north London.

“They just find a way”

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer was honest about the quality of the performance — but unwavering in his belief.

“They found a way against Chelsea,” he said.
“They weren’t brilliant, but their set-pieces have done it for them again and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Shearer also highlighted the psychological pressure Arsenal now face at the top of the table.

“They’re going to be nervy, they’re going to be edgy because of the pressure they’re under. They’re human — I’ve been there myself. It’s a huge ask, it’s tough mentally and physically. It drains you.”

The result came just hours after Manchester City narrowed the gap with a win of their own, keeping the title race finely balanced. Arsenal remain top with 64 points from 29 games, while City sit five points behind with a game in hand.

Shearer acknowledged Arsenal still need more in open play — but made it clear the bigger picture matters more.

“I’d much prefer to still be in their position,” he said.
“If they win every game, they win it. Same with City. But I just think the bigger picture is that they find a way… I still think that they will go ahead and do it.”

Arsenal’s dominance from dead-ball situations has become one of the defining themes of their season. They have now scored more than 20 goals from set-pieces across all competitions, turning corners and free-kicks into a consistent source of points.

Against Chelsea, once again, structure, delivery, movement, and aerial power decided the game — not fluency in open play.

It’s not always pretty.
It’s not always comfortable.
But it’s effective.

And in a title race, effectiveness matters more than style.

Mentality over momentum

Arsenal’s season has not been perfect. They’ve dropped points. They’ve shown nerves. They’ve had late-game wobble moments.

But Shearer sees something deeper than performances.

He sees resilience.
He sees belief.
He sees a team that keeps winning even when it’s not flowing.

And that, more than anything, is why he believes Arsenal will go all the way.

“They just keep finding a way,” he said.

Right now, in a title race defined by pressure and fine margins, that may be the most important quality of all.

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