Paul Merson makes Arsenal Premier League title claim ahead of Liverpool clash

Paul Merson believes Arsenal can have the Premier League wrapped up by mid-December if they navigate a tricky run of fixtures that begins with a trip to Anfield on Sunday.

The Gunners moved level with Manchester City at the top of the table last weekend after a routine 2-0 home win against Everton.

But Mikel Arteta’s side were brought crashing back down to earth in midweek, suffering a penalty shootout defeat to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.

Looking to put that shock defeat behind them and get back to winning ways, Arsenal face a difficult trip to Merseyside to take on a Liverpool side that have won their last five matches in all competitions.

Sunday’s fixture marks the start of a tricky run of games for Arsenal, with games against Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham all to come after the international break.

But Merson believes a positive string of results in those tricky games will put his former side in the driving seat to retain their title come the end of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Arsenal midfielder said: ‘What a November Arsenal have, by the way. They’ve got a hard month, including the start of December.

‘You’ll know by December 13 if Arsenal will win the Premier League. Because there’s a saying: after the hard games, come the easy games.

‘If Bukayo Saka is injured for this period, he’s going to be missed. People say he isn’t playing well, I think he’s a decision-maker – he constantly makes those right decisions week in, week out.

‘Now there’s Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze coming in and playing in his place.

‘It’s all well and good them coming in and playing for a couple, then sitting out for a couple – but when you’re asking them to play six to eight weeks on the trot, that’s a real tester.’

Conversely, Merson believes that Liverpool will have to get a positive result at Anfield on Sunday if they are to be seen as credible title challengers to Arsenal this season.

‘Liverpool are starting to cook a little bit, but they have got to win this Sunday if they want to be in the Premier League title race,’ he added.

‘If they don’t win, they stay six points behind at least and still have to go to the Emirates.

‘You’re then asking Arsenal to lose two football matches without you losing one. And given Liverpool will lose more games this season, you’re then asking Arsenal to lose three or four games for the rest of the season. That’s a lot of games.’

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