Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Liverpool have already gained the Premier League after the Gunners dropped extra factors in opposition to Manchester United on Sunday.
Merson additionally believes that Arsenal have larger points than the title race because the battle for Champions League soccer heats up within the closing levels of the marketing campaign.
Arne Slot’s aspect got here from behind to beat Southampton to increase their result in 16 factors earlier than Sunday’s showdown at Previous Trafford between United and the Gunners.
United took the lead via Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick, however Declan Rice’s 74th-minute equaliser sealed a share of the spoils, although it was a consequence that didn’t assist Arsenal.
Certainly, Arsenal now win the Premier League title in simply 0.3% of Opta’s data-led simulations, with Merson not mincing his phrases after the draw at Previous Trafford.
“Fifth within the league are nearer to Arsenal than they’re to first,” mentioned Merson.
“I imply, in my view, I’d be saying now, we have to think about ending top-four, they’re too distant.
“Liverpool have gotten to just about lose half their video games, they’ve misplaced one all season, it’s over, completed.”
Merson was additionally extremely important of Arsenal’s assault, with Mikel Arteta refusing to usher in a back-up striker for Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who’re out for the season, in January.
With Bukayo Saka additionally sidelined, Mikel Merino led Arsenal’s makeshift ahead line alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard on Sunday, however the trio had been unable to fireplace once more.
And Merson mentioned that these gamers wouldn’t even begin for Tenth-placed Fulham, with the 56-year-old additionally suggesting Arsenal ought to have gone all out to signal Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
“We had this with Arsene Wenger too. Everybody knew he wanted a centre-half, however he by no means bought one. It’s the identical with Mikel Arteta now,” Merson mentioned.
“That they had a £60m bid rejected for Ollie Watkins rejected in January. Effectively, then go along with 65. It’s simply 5 million. It’s only a cup of tea for Arsenal.
“Do you suppose that the Arsenal entrance three will get into Fulham’s group? And the place are Fulham?”
The Gunners have now didn’t win three matches in opposition to sides beginning the day in fifteenth or decrease within the Premier League desk this season (W7 D2 L1), after successful all 12 of the video games they performed final time period in opposition to opponents between fifteenth and twentieth within the desk.
However Arsenal seemingly discovered their taking pictures boots in midweek, placing seven previous PSV Eindhoven of their Champions League spherical of 16 first leg.
Merson, nevertheless, downplayed the magnitude of the consequence, saying that Arsenal will now be wanting cautiously over their shoulders, slightly than wanting up.
“I assumed [the 7-1 win against PSV] in midweek was papering over the cracks. You might be taking part in within the prime league on the earth, you might be among the finest groups in that league and you have no centre ahead,” Merson added.
“Mikel Merino scored twice in opposition to Leicester, however you aren’t successful the league with him taking part in there. He regarded misplaced up entrance. No group wins something with no good centre ahead.
“Arsenal are struggling in the meanwhile and I believe it’s a fear now. They have to attain targets now, and it’s getting just a little tight once you have a look at the league desk.
“Manchester Metropolis have gotten some good fixtures developing they usually may catch Arsenal.”
Wonderful away assist as soon as once more, Gooners
Protected travels again house pic.twitter.com/l0mzrtllec
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 9, 2025