Arsenal have missed their first chance to “wrap up” the Premier League title, according to Paul Merson.
Last weekend’s defeat to Everton was followed by Manchester City losing at Tottenham and, in hindsight, a win at Goodison Park would have all-but secured the trophy in the former midfielder’s eyes.
Instead, they host Brentford on Saturday in a “must-win game” before hosting City next week.
But Merson has called on the Gunners to keep calm despite the missed opportunity.
“This is no time to panic for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta,” he wrote for Sky Sports.
“It was the perfect game for Everton and the worst possible game for Arsenal. Goodison Park was back to what it was like when I used to go there in my career.
“It was always a hard place to go, and they were always in your faces, never giving you any time on the ball. But if Eddie Nketiah scores his first-half chance, it's a different game. I think Arsenal go on to win the game from there. That's what we always talk about, though. It is very thin margins at the top level.
“Arsenal would have won the league on Saturday with a win at Goodison Park. With what happened with Man City at Tottenham on Sunday, it would have all been wrapped up in my opinion.
“They are the fine margins you are dealing with at this stage of the season.”
