Gary Lineker makes Premier League title prediction as Arsenal chase Liverpool

Gary Lineker says it is ‘hard to envisage’ anyone but Liverpool winning the Premier League after they extended their lead at the top of the table over the weekend.

Arne Slot’s side looked set to drop points for the third game in a row as they struggled to break down a resolute Brentford side on Saturday afternoon.

Any slip-up would have given a huge boost to Liverpool’s title rivals Arsenal, who were preparing to host Aston Villa later in the day.

But the much-maligned Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score two injury-time goals and give Liverpool a late and crucial victory over a Brentford side who boast a superb record at home.

The day got even better for Liverpool as Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead at home to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa and slip further behind the Premier League leaders.

The Reds now boast a six-point lead at the top of the table and still have a game in hand over Arsenal, against Merseyside rivals Everton.

Assessing the title race on The Rest is Football podcast, Premier League legend Alan Shearer said: ‘Is that it then, lads? Do you think it’s Liverpool’s now? Was this the weekend?’

Fellow ex-England striker Lineker responded: ‘I think it’s hard to envisage Liverpool letting this slip.

‘We know things can happen, things can change. But they’ve got a big, very strong squad, with replacements in every position.

‘They’ve got a belief, a momentum and a coach who really knows what he’s doing. It’s hard to see really because who is going to come from behind and win almost every game which you would probably have to do now?

‘I’d be incredibly surprised if they don’t go all the way now. Arsenal have got a few key players out and Man City are too far behind even if Liverpool were to slip up a bit.

‘It’s early to say the title race is done – of course it’s not – but it’s Liverpool’s to lose.’

Following Arsenal’s draw with Aston Villa, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he was ‘proud’ of his team but admitted they were not good enough defensively.

‘Pride [at] the way the boys played and competed, the third time in six days,’ Arteta said. ‘To deliver that dominance, that performance, they were outstanding.

‘We deserved much more, that’s clear. The way we defended, especially the second goal, can’t be part of our game.

‘Overall the word is pride because they were exceptional. The way they tried [was impressive].

‘There were players that were dead and performed like this for 97 minutes. They don’t look for excuses or to the bench looking what to do.

‘It was the best game we’ve played against Villa since I’ve been here. They’re a good side. In attack and defending, the level we’re playing is so high.

‘Something was missing. Today we cannot concede the two goals we did after everything we did. That line is so thin. Credit to them as well.’

Liverpool manager Slot, meanwhile, hailed his team after the ‘significant’ late win at Brentford.

‘During the season you’re hoping for these moments,’ he told BBC Sport.

‘Many moments – we could have scored a late winner against United, Forest, Fulham. Today it worked. We managed to score in the last few seconds.

‘We were close to not getting what we deserved. The amount of chances we created was like on Tuesday against Forest – a lot.

‘We were close to going off without a win. That combined with a late winner is what we were most happy about. And it was a significant game.’

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