Paul Merson has made a remarkable Arsenal title claim. And he’s not messing about.
The former Gunners midfielder believes his old club can end the Premier League title race this weekend, yes, this weekend with a victory against Fulham on Saturday evening.
Arsenal moved back to the top of the table with a hard fought 1-0 win against Newcastle last weekend. Manchester City weren’t in league action, so the Gunners capitalised.
Now? A three point gap could temporarily become six if Arsenal beat Fulham before City’s trip to Everton on Monday night.
And Merson reckons that would be that.
‘I SAID IT BEFORE, THESE TWO GAMES ARE CRUCIAL’
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson didn’t hold back.
“If Arsenal win this game, they win the league!” he declared.
“Three points to Mikel Arteta’s team in this one and Manchester City will have to pull up trees to win the title from here on.”
That’s quite a claim with several games still to play. But Merson is sticking to it.
“I said it before as well, these two games against Newcastle and Fulham are so crucial for Arsenal that I would not think of goal difference. I’d take a 1-0 win and just get the three points.”
CITY’S TRICKY RUN, MERSON SMELLS BLOOD
Merson reckons City aren’t home and hosed either. Not by a long shot.
“City still have to go to Everton and Bournemouth, which are two tricky away fixtures,” he said. “Arsenal getting points on the board before those games will be an advantage for sure.
“I watched City against Burnley and I thought they weren’t that great either. I expect them to score goals in games, but they could concede chances and a team like Everton or Bournemouth might hurt them!”
That’s the hope. That’s the belief.
‘FORGET ATLETICO, FULHAM IS ALL THAT MATTERS’
Here’s the warning, though. Merson says Arsenal cannot afford to look ahead.
“Arsenal must forget about the second leg against Atletico Madrid and get the job done against Fulham,” he said.
“If they lose to Fulham, then they will definitely lose to Atletico on Tuesday. And hence, it could be all over for them in the next few days. Arsenal must get the win.”
That’s the Merson special. No messing. No sugar coating. Just straight talk.
TEAM NEWS: EZE AND SAKA IN THE MIX?
Arsenal could welcome Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka back into the starting lineup. Both featured off the bench against Atletico Madrid in midweek.
Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are expected to remain sidelined. Martin Odegaard is a doubt after his early withdrawal on Wednesday.
Fulham, meanwhile, are without three key players. Alex Iwobi, Ryan Sessegnon and Kevin are all unavailable.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Win on Saturday. Go six clear even if just for 48 hours. Then watch City sweat at Everton on Monday.
That’s the script Merson has written. And he’s convinced it’s happening.
Arsenal fans? They’ll be watching through their fingers. Because hope is a dangerous thing. Especially in April.
