Paul Merson backs Arsenal to tighten Premier League grip as City and Liverpool clash

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes this weekend could define the Premier League title race — and the Gunners are in the driver’s seat.

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson insists Mikel Arteta’s side are on course to win the Premier League title, with the upcoming weekend potentially proving decisive. The Gunners have won eight of their opening ten matches, losing just once, and currently sit six points clear of Manchester City and seven ahead of Liverpool.

Their success, according to Merson, lies in their balance. Arsenal have combined fluid attacking play with rock-solid defending, keeping eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions — a feat unmatched across Europe’s top leagues.

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Merson believes that if Arsenal defeat Sunderland in their next fixture, they could move nine points clear at the summit, applying massive pressure on both City and Liverpool before their showdown at the Etihad.

The Impact of Man City vs Liverpool

The Manchester City–Liverpool clash is being billed as a title race decider, and Merson believes it could tilt the balance decisively in Arsenal’s favour. Writing in his Sportskeeda column, he argued that if Liverpool lose to City while Arsenal win, Liverpool’s title ambitions could effectively end before December.

However, Merson also predicted that Liverpool could surprise City with a 3-1 victory, noting that Pep Guardiola’s men “don’t look invincible” this season. Either way, Arsenal stand to benefit — a City defeat keeps them comfortably ahead, while a Liverpool win still leaves the Reds with significant ground to make up.

Arsenal’s Defensive Superpower

While Arsenal’s attack remains potent — only one team has scored more goals this season — their defensive stability has been the real game-changer. Arteta’s men have conceded just three goals in 14 matches, showing the kind of consistency that defines champions.

Merson claimed the title race could be ‘done and dusted within two weeks’ if Arsenal maintain this level of performance.”
. The North London side, strengthened by smart summer additions and tactical maturity, now look more complete than in previous campaigns.

Paul Merson’s verdict captures the growing belief around the Emirates: Arsenal are ready to seize control of the Premier League. A win over Sunderland could extend their lead, while the City–Liverpool clash might clear their path even further.

With their defensive strength, attacking rhythm, and composure under pressure, Merson believes Arsenal are on the brink of ending their 21-year wait for domestic glory.

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