Premier League legend Paul Merson believes Arsenal are in a make-or-break part of their Premier League season. He claims Bukayo Saka‘s absence in key November and early December games will test Mikel Arteta’s side.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson claimed that the Gunners could have their Premier League title hopes decided in the next few weeks. He believes that if they do well before the festive fixtures and stay near the top of the table, their title charge will continue; otherwise, it will crumble. He said:
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“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.” (via Football 365)
Bukayo Saka picked up a quad injury during their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich in October and has been ruled out for a few weeks.
Paul Merson makes prediction for Liverpool vs Arsenal
Paul Merson spoke about the Liverpool clash in the Premier League, predicting a Gunners loss. He believes that the Anfield side will come into the game stronger as they want to win and keep their place in the Premier League title race. He said:
“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. 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.”
Liverpool have won their last two matches at Anfield, including a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last week.
Edited by Sripad
