Shearer insists Man City still title favourites

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer rates third-place Manchester City as his Premier League title favourites.

Liverpool sit top of the table after victory over Brighton, with Arsenal second and Manchester City third after Sunday's 0-0 draw.

Shearer wrote for BBC Sport: "At the moment it is advantage Liverpool, and Arsenal are not going away, but, with nine games to go, I still see Manchester City as favourites for the Premier League title.

"That feeling is not really based on how City are playing right now, though. Pep Guardiola's side are on a long unbeaten run, stretching back 23 games in all competitions, but they have not hit top form and a few of their performances in that spell have not quite been at the level we have come to expect.

"Some of their results have been disappointing too, including Sunday's 0-0 draw with the Gunners. It must be a concern for Pep that his side have still not beaten another top-five team this season in six attempts.

"City have got a chance to change that when they play Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday - and they have to.

"They cannot afford to drop points in successive games, so it's another huge night for them - against the last team to beat them, on 6 December.

"One of City's biggest strengths, however, is that they have been here and done it so many times before.

"And, while their rivals might be in better form, City have the experience to know that the draw with Arsenal was not a disaster."