Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City
ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.
City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.
And it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.
The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.
Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.
The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.
Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.
Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.
However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.
And the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.
Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.
“It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.
“Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”
Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in Italy
ARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.
Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.
And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
David Raya – 9
Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.
Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.
Ben White – 7
Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.
William Saliba – 8
One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.
Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.
Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.
Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.
Thomas Partey – 4
Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.
But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.
Declan Rice – 6
Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.
But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.
Kai Havertz – 6
With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.
Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.
Buakyo Saka – 6
Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.
Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.
Withdrawn before the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.
Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City.