Paul Merson sends PL title message to Arsenal after missed opportunity
Paul Merson believes Arsenal "would have won the league" if they had beaten Everton at Goodison Park last Saturday.
The Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sean Dyche's side thanks to James Tarkowski's second-half header, in what was a rare misstep this season for the league leaders. Arsenal's Premier League title rivals Manchester City were unable to take advantage of their slip up, as they lost 1-0 at Tottenham the following day.
Last weekend's results leave Arsenal five points clear of City in second, with a game in hand. And Merson thinks the title would have been all but wrapped up if Mikel Arteta's side had extended their advantage to eight points due to a mental impact of that lead.
"This is no time to panic for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta," Merson told Sky Sports. "It was the perfect game for Everton and the worst possible game for Arsenal. Goodison Park was back to what it was like when I used to go there in my career.
"It was always a hard place to go, and they were always in your faces, never giving you any time on the ball. But if Eddie Nketiah scores his first-half chance, it's a different game. I think Arsenal go on to win the game from there. That's what we always talk about, though. It is very thin margins at the top level.
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"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."
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As Merson suggests, Arsenal are in a very strong position. They have not won the Premier League title for 19 years and their fans are desperate for them to end their long wait.
The Gunners have some tough fixture ahead of them - including ones against Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle. They must also play Man City twice, with the first part of their blockbuster clash set to take place at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Yet Man City's schedule is not easy, either. They must also face Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle before the end of the season. Pep Guardiola will also be dreading their trip to the Emirates after their recent away defeats to Manchester United and Tottenham.
The two teams have already faced each other in the FA Cup, with Man City winning that game 1-0 thanks to Nathan Ake's second-half strike. Both managers rested players for the cup tie, however, and their two Premier League meetings will be much more intense.
Arsenal can extend their advantage to eight points by beating Brentford at home on Saturday afternoon. Man City are in action the next day, when Aston Villa travel to the Etihad. This weekend's games will give another indication as to where both teams are at.
One advantage Man City have is their experience with title races. They have won four of the last five Premier League titles, although two of their former players - Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus - are now part of Arteta's squad.
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