EPL: Chelsea indiscipline costing them, Arsenal remain clear title favourites – Alan Shearer
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has delivered a pointed assessment of Chelsea and Arsenal following their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, insisting Arsenal fully deserve to be top of the Premier League while warning that Chelsea’s lack of discipline is becoming a strategic liability.
Shearer shared his views in a detailed post-match analysis for the BBC after Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.
‘Chelsea’s red cards are holding them back’ – Shearer
Shearer criticised Chelsea’s recurring discipline problems, noting that Moisés Caicedo’s dismissal was the club’s fourth red card in 13 league games this season.
“Moises Caicedo’s dismissal… was the fourth time this season a Chelsea player has been sent off.
“They have taken only one point from a possible nine in those games, and of course the red card had an impact on each result,” Shearer said.
The former England captain acknowledged Chelsea’s resilience after going down to 10 men but argued that Enzo Maresca’s side ultimately squandered a chance to close the gap on Arsenal.
“Chelsea will be happy with a point in the circumstances, but I still think Maresca will see it as an opportunity missed. Their inconsistency has cost them more than anything.”
Arsenal’s discipline and consistency setting the standard
Shearer contrasted Chelsea’s issues with Arsenal’s improved control under Mikel Arteta.
“Arsenal kept 11 men on the pitch again, something they’ve done in all 20 games this season. It’s a huge improvement from last year and an example Chelsea need to follow.”
Despite missing first-choice centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba, Shearer said Arsenal handled the occasion well and remain the league’s benchmark.
“Arsenal are still the most consistent side in the Premier League. That’s why they are five points clear. The league table is not lying.”
Mixed fortunes for the chasing pack
Shearer also evaluated the broader title race, arguing that Arsenal’s nearest rivals are struggling for consistency.
“From last season’s top five, only Arsenal have found any consistency. City still look shaky at the back. Chelsea have been up and down. Liverpool picked up an important win but I still don’t see them getting back into the title race.”
He said Aston Villa currently look the most stable among Arsenal’s pursuers but warned that none of the challengers have shown the sustained performance levels required.
‘Arsenal are the team to beat’ – Shearer concludes
Shearer’s final assessment was unequivocal: “Arsenal deserve to be where they are because they’ve been the standout side so far, and they are going to take some catching.”
The Premier League leaders maintain their advantage at the summit, while Chelsea, despite their effort with 10 men, remain burdened by costly lapses in discipline that now keeps them third behind Manchester City.
