Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jamie Dickenson

Paul Merson makes bold title race claim ahead of Arsenal's showdown with Liverpool

Paul Merson believes Arsenal’s title chances are as good as over if they are beaten by Liverpool on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s side arrive at the Emirates top of the Premier League and four points ahead of the Gunners in third.

And ahead of their top-of-the-table clash, former Arsenal hero Merson has made it clear his old side cannot afford to lose.

“If they lose this they go seven points behind them,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I don't see Man City not beating Southampton, so that would be seven and six points behind their two biggest rivals for the title.

“That's a lot of points, especially the way these teams are winning football matches. They beat lesser teams with ease and the gulf is massive at the moment.

“I'd be shocked. If Arsenal lost this and went on and won the league I'd be absolutely amazed. I would be flabbergasted.

“They're not just chasing one team down, but chasing two.

“All of this about how there will still be 29 games to go - Arsenal will be out the title (if they lose).

“I just can't see how Arsenal will catch that up (a seven-point deficit) with the figures Man City have put up over the last five to six years.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.