The Premier League title race may have only just begun, but Alan Shearer already has a clear favorite.
The Premier League legend believes Arsenal are the team to beat in the 2026/27 campaign, while Chelsea have emerged as the strongest challenger to the reigning champions.
Shearer’s prediction comes after Chelsea made an impressive start under Xabi Alonso. The Blues have won both of their opening league matches, including a dramatic 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Chelsea had previously defeated Fulham 3-2 in their opening Premier League fixture.
Despite Chelsea’s perfect start, Shearer remains convinced that Arsenal have the strongest case to retain the Premier League crown.
Chelsea Make a Perfect Start Under Xabi Alonso
Chelsea have quickly given their supporters plenty of reasons for optimism.
The Blues opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham before producing another entertaining win against Brighton.
The 4-3 result was particularly dramatic.
Chelsea looked completely in control during the first half and built a three-goal advantage. Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro all found the net as the hosts appeared to be heading toward a comfortable victory.
Brighton, however, refused to give up.
Malick Yalcouye pulled one goal back before Chelsea received another boost when Pedro, their former striker, scored an own goal.
Cole Palmer then restored Chelsea’s advantage with another goal, giving the Blues some breathing room.
Brighton continued to push until the final moments, with Pascal Gross scoring a header during stoppage time to make it 3-4.
Chelsea ultimately held on to secure another three points.
The victory meant Xabi Alonso’s side remained among the teams with a perfect record after two matches.
Alan Shearer Still Favors Arsenal
Chelsea’s strong beginning has not changed Shearer’s main prediction.
The former England striker continues to see Arsenal as the leading candidate for the Premier League title.
Arsenal enter the new season as defending champions and have already built a strong foundation under their current project.
Shearer believes their work during the summer has strengthened their position.
“Arsenal had a fantastic summer and they are going to be very strong this season,” Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast, as quoted by Metro.
“Without a doubt, they are again the team to beat in the Premier League,” he added.
That assessment puts Arsenal at the front of Shearer’s title race.
The Gunners will have the opportunity to strengthen their early position when they face Aston Villa in their next league fixture.
Chelsea Are Arsenal’s Biggest Challenger
Although Arsenal remain Shearer’s favorite, he does not dismiss Chelsea’s chances.
In fact, the Premier League legend believes Alonso’s side could provide the biggest challenge to Arsenal throughout the campaign.
Chelsea’s opening two results have certainly strengthened that argument.
The Blues have already demonstrated attacking quality, resilience and the ability to win tight matches.
Their performances have also highlighted the importance of Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer Impresses Shearer
Palmer has been one of the standout players during Chelsea’s opening matches.
Shearer was particularly impressed by the England international’s performance and believes his quality could play an important role in Chelsea’s title ambitions.
“Palmer was absolutely fantastic in Chelsea’s first game. We all know what he’s capable of, but last season we didn’t see enough of him, whether it was through injury or whatever,” Shearer said.
He also praised Palmer’s comfort and confidence when controlling the ball.
“His start to the season and his performances have been absolutely fantastic. The way he receives the ball, how easy he makes everything look and how comfortable he is on the ball,” Shearer added.
For Chelsea, keeping Palmer fit and available could therefore be particularly important.
His creativity and ability to influence attacking situations give Alonso another major weapon as the season progresses.
No European Football Could Help Chelsea
Another factor Shearer believes could benefit Chelsea is their lack of European football this season.
Without midweek European fixtures, Alonso should have more time to prepare his team between Premier League matches.
The reduced schedule could also help Chelsea manage player fitness over a long domestic campaign.
Not having European football will be a bonus for them in terms of keeping players fit and not having to play midweek too often,” Shearer explained.
That could become increasingly significant as the season develops.
Premier League title challenges demand consistency over many months. Avoiding additional midweek fixtures could give Chelsea more opportunities to train, recover and prepare specifically for domestic opponents.
What Gives Arsenal the Edge?
While Shearer sees Chelsea as Arsenal’s closest challenger, he still believes the reigning champions have the advantage.
Arsenal’s status as defending champions provides them with experience of competing at the top of the table.
Their strong summer has also increased Shearer’s confidence in their chances.
The main factors behind Arsenal’s position as favorites include:
- They are the reigning Premier League champions.
- Shearer believes they had an excellent summer.
- Their squad is expected to remain highly competitive.
- They have already demonstrated the ability to compete for the title.
- Chelsea are viewed as the closest threat rather than the outright favorite.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have a different advantage.
They are starting a new chapter under Alonso and appear to have considerable potential for growth.
Chelsea Could Make the Title Race More Interesting
The early Premier League standings are only beginning to take shape, so there is a long way to go before the title is decided.
Still, Chelsea’s perfect opening has already changed the conversation around the championship.
Their two wins under Alonso have demonstrated that the Blues could be more than simply another top-four contender.
With Palmer performing strongly and no European football demanding their attention, Chelsea have several factors working in their favor.
Shearer has therefore placed them directly behind Arsenal in his prediction.
“So, for me, yes. I think Chelsea will be Arsenal’s closest challengers,” Shearer concluded.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Could Define the Title Race
Shearer’s prediction gives the 2026/27 Premier League title race an intriguing early narrative.
Arsenal are the defending champions and remain the team to beat.
Chelsea, however, have started strongly and are already being viewed as their closest challenger.
Xabi Alonso’s arrival has added another layer of interest to Chelsea’s ambitions, while players such as Palmer could become decisive during the long campaign.
There is still plenty of football to be played, and early results can change quickly.
For now, though, Alan Shearer’s verdict is clear: Arsenal are the favorites, but Chelsea are the team most capable of challenging them for the Premier League title.
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