Paul Merson has labelled Arsenal's Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend as the 'biggest game of the season'. The Gunners welcome Thomas Frank's men to north London on the back of their second league defeat of the campaign last weekend at relegation threatened Everton.
Mikel Arteta's side were the unfortunate victim of the new manager bounce at Goodison Park with Sean Dyche winning his first game in charge after replacing Frank Lampard. Fortunately for Arsenal, Manchester City failed to cut the gap at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham.
Attention now turns to this weekend and a difficult clash against Brentford. The Bees have been one of the Premier League's most under-rated performers this campaign and have not suffered defeat in the league since October.
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For Arsenal, returning to winning ways is a must and they could stretch their lead at the top to eight points with victory over their London rivals. And former Gunners star Paul Merson has pilled the pressure onto Arteta's side, indicating the need to respond to last week's loss.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Arsenal are not going to win every game. They were always going to lose games, but now, after the Everton defeat, it is how you respond.
"Now, Brentford at home on Saturday is the biggest game of the season. They have to win the game. If you start backing up defeats with draws or another loss, it soon mounts up and before you know it, the table looks completely different. So, you have to bounce back."
Merson continued to discuss the importance of this weekend, with Arsenal hosting Man City next Wednesday. "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. That's why the Brentford game is so important on Saturday. Lose a second game on the trot and the danger is that it all starts to go pear-shaped.
"However, win it and there is no damage done at all before Man City travel to the Emirates. You don't want to lose to Brentford and then have to go and beat Man City. It becomes a different game and a different pressure.
"A response and a win against Brentford will create confidence again. On the other hand, a second defeat creates doubt and then the last team you want to face next is City, no matter how they are playing."
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