Alan Shearer has named Arsenal's three Player of the Year contenders as the Gunners stand on the brink of winning the Premier League title. The north London club had risked another late-season collapse after a defeat to Manchester City last month, but Mikel Arteta's side has responded impressively to move within touching distance of their first league crown since 2004.
Arsenal's Title Charge
Victories over already-relegated Burnley on Monday night and London rivals Crystal Palace on the final day would secure Arsenal's first Premier League trophy in 22 years. The Gunners may not even need maximum points from both games, as Manchester City must win at in-form Bournemouth and against Europa League finalists Aston Villa to have any chance of catching the leaders.
A long-awaited title triumph would likely see an Arsenal player crowned Footballer of the Year, and Shearer has highlighted three key candidates from Arteta's squad.
Shearer's Three Arsenal Stars
The Premier League's all-time leading scorer responded to Gary Lineker's claim that he would vote for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes has enjoyed another outstanding season at Old Trafford, equalling the Premier League record for assists in a single campaign during United's win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes is just a joyous footballer to watch, Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. He's equalled that Premier League assists record and got the Football Writers award. I think he's a major contender for Footballer of the Year. We often give these awards to players of teams who win, but it's just the best Footballer of the Year, and I find it hard to go against him. He would get my vote actually, he's just such a great player to watch, his passing range and vision is exquisite.
In response, Shearer said: I would chuck three Arsenal players at you for that. If Arsenal win the Premier League, which we expect them to do, I'd chuck David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice in there. I'm not taking anything away from Bruno Fernandes, I'm a huge fan of his and he's been outstanding. God knows where Manchester United would be without him. But yeah, I would chuck those three Arsenal players in there as well.
Lineker replied: Yeah, I wouldn't complain at all if any of those three were crowned Footballer of the Year. Bruno is the one player outside of Arsenal probably should they go on to win the Premier League.
Comfortable Win Predicted Against Burnley
Arsenal are expected to prove far too strong for relegated Burnley on Monday night. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport: It is Arsenal's title. They are not going to blow it now, against Burnley. I can see it being quite a comfortable evening for the Gunners, actually. The home crowd will be nervous until they score, but I can see Mikel Arteta's side making an early breakthrough. As much as Burnley are still scrapping, which they showed with their draw against Aston Villa last week, they have frustrated their own supporters much more than they have frustrated the opposition this season. Arsenal are a much better team and, whether it comes from a set-play or open play, they will have too much for them.
After potentially clinching the Premier League title, Arsenal will aim to win their first ever Champions League, facing holders Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
