With 22 games still to go – and several fixtures in the new year that could set their title prospects – Merson doesn’t see Arsenal’s recent success as a coincidence.
Arsenal are playing really well
After title rivals the Citizens and Newcastle United dropped points earlier on New Year’s Eve, Arsenal beat Brighton 4-2 to see them seven points clear heading into the 2023 year. No team in the history of the Premier League has given up such a lead after 16 games and went on to win the title. With 22 games still to go – and several fixtures in the new year that could set their title prospects – Merson doesn’t see Arsenal’s recent success as a coincidence. “Arsenal are playing really well; it wasn’t a setback,” Merson told reporters. “They went to Man United and got beat up, and I didn’t think they deserved it. There are ways to lose matches, and they bounce back. That night they went down 1-0 to West Ham and came back and brushed them off.
Premier League’s ‘Domino Effect’
“They’re right about that, no doubt. It’s not bullshit; they’re where they are because they’re an excellent football team. With 26 games left, they probably have to do it for another 22. The Gunners have given themselves a little gap where they can. They can afford to lose a few games. Manchester City are going to win only some games. Arsenal are right about that; I couldn’t speak highly enough of them. Still, this is the Premier League; it changes so fast. Those three fixtures: Newcastle, Tottenham, and Manchester United. If they beat the Magpies, you expect them to get a result at Tottenham.”
“If they get a result at Tottenham, I expect them to beat Man United. So, if they don’t beat Howe’s men, you don’t expect them to beat Tottenham; if they don’t beat Tottenham, you don’t expect them to beat United. It’s a domino effect. Right now, they’re doing everything right.”
The Gunners are playing great football
“They’re in a great position; there’s a long way to go. They started so well, and that’s the name of the match. They had a dip when Arteta changed teams and took the full-backs off, but who goes to Brighton and scores four goals? We can always tell they let in two goals, but you must enjoy it. They play great football, and they are the best team in the country at the moment. The Gunners are the number one team. They look good. They are scoring goals. All four forwards scored today. You can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Merson also believes that only Arsenal and Manchester City can realistically win the Premier League title now – unless the other side makes history. “When we stopped at the World Cup, you thought it could only hurt Arsenal. They flew and came back and scored seven goals in two games,” Merson added. “They have the platform; it’s in their hands. I know it’s a long way to go, but there are big squads in this league that can’t win it – Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, and probably the Red Devils. It’s not Arsenal and Manchester City unless other squads go on the most extraordinary run you’ve ever seen in Premier League history.”