Both City and Arsenal lost on their travels on Saturday. Pep Guardiola's side were stunned by an inspired Bournemouth performance at the Vitality Stadium, with Josko Gvardiol's late goal proving to only be a consolation in a 2-1 loss.
Mikel Arteta's Gunners, meanwhile, had already tasted defeat in the early kick-off at St James' Park. Alexander Isak's first-half header was enough to earn Newcastle all three points.
Liverpool took advantage, coming back from behind at home to Brighton to move to the top of the table with a 2-1 win. Arne Slot's Reds have definitely defied expectations in the first 10 games of the season.
However, Lineker and his Match of the Day colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards think the reigning champions remain the best bet. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: "I would still say the favourites are Man City, but it’s close. Liverpool have been much better than I thought they would be.
"I didn’t think they’d be challenging but they are, there’s no doubt about that. I don’t think they’re going to go away. I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal and I tipped them before the season started. You’d still say Man City are just favourites because they’ve been around the block."
Lineker backed Arsenal to end their title drought last season, but he punted for City this time around after their rivals came up short for the second successive campaign. And he's sticking to his guns, telling Shearer: "I think I agree. City have been there, done it four times on the bounce now.
"You wonder if that will catch up with them at some point because it’s so difficult to keep having that absolute drive that gets them over the line. I would say they’re still favourites. I backed them at the start of the season and I wouldn’t change my mind now.
"Liverpool are genuine title contenders and I think that’s been a surprise. Following in the enormous shoes of Jurgen Klopp was always going to be difficult but Slot looks like a perfect fit."
Richards is in agreement that his former side are best placed to triumph sitting just two points behind Liverpool, with Arsenal now eight adrift. "I would still go with Man City just because of what’s happened in the past. I would still say they’re favourites, just," he added.
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