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Oliver Jones

Paul Merson makes Nottingham Forest clash statement amid Leeds United relegation verdict

Former Premier League midfielder Paul Merson has claimed he'd 'be shocked' if Leeds United were relegated despite their heavy 4-1 defeat to his old club Arsenal.

It was a good start from the Whites who were deadlocked with the Gunners through the first 30 minutes before Luke Ayling clipped Gabriel Jesus' knee in the penalty area leading to the Brazilian converting from the penalty spot.

Halftime came and went before ex-Leeds defender Ben White latched onto Gabriel Martinelli's cross at the back post to double Arsenal's lead just two minutes after the break.

READ MORE: Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United's Arsenal defeat, his selection, Kristensen, Cooper, Sinisterra

Jesus then made it 3-0 when he fired home from close range eight minutes later following a nice piece of footwork by Leandro Trossard.

Rasmus Kristensen tried to inspire a comeback when his deflected effort off Oleksandr Zinchenko sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way 15 minutes from the final whistle.

But Granit Xhaka headed home after Martin Odegaard's ball over the top with seven minutes left of normal time to wrap up all three points for the hosts.

Despite the result though, Merson believes Leeds have a great chance of beating relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in their vital clash next week.

"I'd be shocked if they went down and I'd surprised if they didn't beat Forest at Elland Road," he said on Sky Sports News after the defeat to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

“If they play with the pace they do, Forest will not be able to live with them. And with Forest's away record, it is a big game for Leeds in midweek."

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