Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis believes Arsenal, the defending champions, have a significant edge in this season's race for the title. The Gunners won their first league title since 2004 last season and strengthened their squad this summer with key signings like Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, and Christos Tzolis. Under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal started the new season strongly, most recently coming from behind to defeat London rivals Chelsea 2-1. At this early stage, they are second in the league table, just behind Manchester City, who have also won their first three matches of the season. Pulis, who previously managed Stoke City, highlighted Arsenal’s defensive solidity as a key factor in their success. He noted that the Gunners are not only strong in defense but also quick to regain their shape when they lose the ball. This balance, he said, makes them difficult to break down. In contrast, he believes teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea still have vulnerabilities on counterattacks. Pulis praised Arteta’s coaching, emphasizing that Arsenal’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack makes them a formidable opponent. Former Premier League winner Alan Shearer echoed Pulis’s sentiment, calling Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea a strong indicator of their title credentials. He praised their performance, especially their resilience after falling behind, and reiterated his belief that Arsenal will win the league this season. Shearer praised the team's defense, describing it as the best in world football. He highlighted the synergy between the midfield and the back four, along with the presence of a top-class goalkeeper, as crucial components of their success. When asked about Arsenal’s main rivals for the title, Shearer named Manchester City and Chelsea but leaned toward City. However, he dismissed Manchester United as not being strong enough defensively to challenge the top teams. His comments reinforce the growing belief that Arsenal are not just contenders but strong favorites in this season’s Premier League race.