CurrentReport Blog Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes the Gunners’ trophy ambitions this season could be decided by a single match.
Mikel Arteta’s men entered the campaign as strong contenders for the Premier League title but are currently trailing league leaders Liverpool. Arsenal have finished second to Manchester City in the past two seasons and are determined to end their 20-year wait for the league crown.
However, despite a solid start, the Gunners are struggling to keep pace with Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Liverpool side, who have only lost one league match all season and remain in contention for four trophies.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, leaving them with only the Premier League and Champions League to fight for.
Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, pointed out that Arsenal’s league challenge could be over if Liverpool extend their lead in the title race.
“They’ve got two trophies left to win, but they could be out of one by Wednesday night, in my opinion,” Merson said.
“If Liverpool wins at Everton, they’ll be nine points clear with around 15 games left. They’d have to lose four of them, which I think would be impossible. To me, it comes down to Wednesday.”
Merson also expressed doubts about Arsenal’s Champions League chances, citing their recent Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United.
“I did half-fancy them in the Champions League, but I’ve just seen them get destroyed by Newcastle over two legs and – no disrespect – there are a lot better teams than Newcastle in the Champions League knockout phase. So for me, they’re right up against it.”
With crucial fixtures ahead, Arsenal must step up if they hope to stay in the race for silverware this season.
