Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has expressed his belief that Liverpool have essentially won the Premier League title following Arsenal’s dropped points against Manchester United on Sunday. Merson also highlighted that Arsenal have bigger concerns than the title race, as the battle for Champions League qualification intensifies in the final stages of the season.
Prior to the clash between United and Arsenal, Arne Slot’s team came from behind to secure a victory against Southampton, extending their lead to 16 points. However, United took the lead through Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick, and although Declan Rice equalized in the 74th minute, the draw did not benefit Arsenal.
According to Opta’s data-led simulations, Arsenal now have a mere 0.3% chance of winning the Premier League title. Merson did not hold back in his assessment, stating, “Fifth-placed teams are closer to Arsenal than they are to first. In my opinion, we need to focus on finishing in the top four because they are too far away. Liverpool would have to lose almost half of their remaining games, but they have only lost one all season. It’s over, finished.”
Merson also heavily criticized Arsenal’s attack, highlighting Mikel Arteta’s failure to bring in a backup striker during the January transfer window for injured players Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. With Bukayo Saka also sidelined, Mikel Merino led Arsenal’s makeshift forward line alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard on Sunday, but they were unable to find the back of the net. Merson even went as far as suggesting that these players would not even start for 10th-placed Fulham and that Arsenal should have made a stronger effort to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Furthermore, Merson drew comparisons to Arsene Wenger’s tenure at Arsenal, where the team lacked a center-back despite clear needs. He expressed his frustration with Arteta’s failure to secure Watkins, stating, “They had a £60m bid rejected for Ollie Watkins in January. Well, then go with £65m. It’s just five million. It’s just a cup of tea for Arsenal. Do you think that the Arsenal front three will get into Fulham’s team? And where are Fulham?”
This season, Arsenal has struggled against teams in the bottom half of the Premier League table, failing to win three matches against sides starting the day in 15th place or lower (W7 D2 L1). In contrast, they won all 12 games last season against opponents between 15th and 20th in the table.
Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal displayed their scoring prowess in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, defeating PSV Eindhoven 7-1. However, Merson downplayed the significance of the result, suggesting that Arsenal should be more concerned about their position in the league rather than looking up.
Merson concluded by emphasizing the importance of having a quality center forward and expressed his worry for Arsenal’s current situation. He pointed out that Manchester City has favorable fixtures ahead and could potentially catch up to Arsenal in the league standings.
In summary, Merson’s comments reflect his belief that Liverpool has already secured the Premier League title, while also highlighting Arsenal’s struggles in both the title race and Champions League qualification. He criticized Arsenal’s attack and questioned the club’s transfer decisions, urging them to prioritize signing a center forward. Merson also expressed concern about Arsenal’s position in the league and the threat posed by Manchester City.
