The Gunners welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for their first game back after the international break. It is already a crucial game for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The North London side already find themselves nine points behind table-topping Liverpool. And Merson believes that they have very little margin for any more mistakes if they hope to end their long wait for the Premier League crown.
But the ex-Arsenal star has backed his former side to win 3-1 against Forest this weekend, in what will be the start of a long winning streak. Speaking to Metro, he said: “It is a tricky game for Arsenal because they have no more mistakes left in them now.
“They have to keep winning, it’s as simple as that. Nottingham Forest are actually a better team away from home. But that defeat to Newcastle is a sign of their good start slowly wearing off now.
“I feel Arsenal’s midfield will be too much for Forest in this game. The likes of Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey will dominate them. Forest are always a threat on the counter-attack, but I’m not sure if Chris Wood can cause many problems to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
“This is a cup final for Arsenal, a must-win game. Mikel Arteta and company have some lovely fixtures coming up and will be hopeful of putting on a solid run. I back them to win their next six or seven games and it starts with this one.
Will Arsenal win the league this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“Except Liverpool, they have now already played away games against all the teams that finished in the top six last season. And we’re only 11 games into the season! That shows how tough a run they’ve had and now it’s time for them to enjoy some of the relatively easier fixtures. Arsenal have to keep winning and if they win their next six or seven games, they will be back in the title race and will have every chance to win it.
“If it becomes a 12-point gap between them and the league leaders, then Arsenal have no chance. They are nine points behind Liverpool now, that’s why it’s a cup final from here on.”
Ahead of the game, Arsenal boss Arteta has been dealt some bad news regarding the fitness of some of his stars. Ben White has been sidelined for months with a knee injury, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are doubts. There are also concerns for Leandro Trossard after picking up an issue on international duty.
0 Comments