Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes former club Arsenal still have a chance of beating Tottenham in the battle to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
The last week or so has been hugely damaging for Mikel Arteta’s side who, after two losses on the bounce, have fallen three points behind their north London rivals.
While Arsenal do boast a game in hand, Spurs are enjoying an excellent run, with only title-chasing Liverpool in better form since the start of March.
On top of that, Arteta has lost key first-team stars in the shape of Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey, who are both unlikely to feature again all season. Tottenham, meanwhile, are reaping the rewards of an active January transfer window, during which they brought both Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski to the club.
Merson, however, does not believe Spurs are yet over their previously inconsistent form under Antonio Conte’s stewardship despite their impressive run of five wins in the last six games.
“I still feel Arsenal are in it because Tottenham have still got a Tottenham in them,” he wrote.
“I don’t mean that in a horrible way, but they still have got a Tottenham in them. Everyone was going mad about them but they could’ve been blown away in the first half against Aston Villa.
“Villa should’ve been out of sight and they only have to have one of those days in the next seven weeks.
“The 4-0 win over Villa covered over the cracks. They did some great stuff, don’t get me wrong, but in the first half Hugo Lloris had to make save after save. So I’m still not convinced by Tottenham.
“The top four is still very much on for Arsenal.”
