Arsenal legend Paul Merson has expressed his concern over the Premier League challenges ahead for his former club.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to get their hands on the Premier League title in May, having missed out in two consecutive seasons to Manchester City.
It’s a tough ask for Arsenal to chase down City, who have been near perfect under Pep Guardiola, winning four consecutive titles, including a treble win.
Three games into the season and the race is already on, with the Gunners already feeling the pressure of the title race, according to Paul Merson.
Paul Merson makes Arsenal Premier League title prediction
Arsenal will be eager to right their wrongs against Tottenham following the international break, after dropping points to Brighton on match day three.
Speaking ahead of the North London derby, Merson hammered home the importance of the fixture, for reasons besides bragging rights.
The Arsenal legend stressed that three points is essential against Spurs, with an eye on the following battle at the Etihad against Manchester City.
“I don’t think fixtures have been kind to Arsenal this season, you don’t want to be playing catch up with Man City,” Merson said on Sky Sports.
If they don’t win this game then lose to Man City, then they could be seven, eight, nine, points behind and I’m afraid that will be miles too many.”
In an ideal world, Arsenal would be heading into the North London derby with three wins in three, matching City and Liverpool’s perfect start.
The possibility is there that Arteta’s side will secure wins over both Spurs and City although they’d have to achieve a feat at the Etihad that hasn’t been done since 2015.
Merson’s concerns ring true, as City are already displaying explosive and title-hungry form, with Erling Haaland the driving force behind the machine.
Arsenal have some daunting challenges ahead
September is a gruelling month for Arsenal, not helped by it being kicked off with the international break.
As well as attempting to be flawless in the Premier League, the Gunners return to action in both the Carabao Cup and the Champions League.
Alarmingly, Arsenal face a staggering five figures in a period of just 13 days, three of which coming away from home.
Tottenham Hotspur (A) Premier League – September 15th
Atalanta (A) Champions League – September 19th
Manchester City (A) Premier League – September 22nd
Bolton Wanderers (H) Carabao Cup – September 25th
Leicester City (H) Premier League – September 28th
To add to the unacceptable schedule for the first team to conquer is the pressure of needing to win every game, as the bar set by City is one of perfection.
Merson is already doubtful of Arsenal’s ability to chase City, telling of the task Arteta has to convince the Premier League that his squad can challenge for the title once more.
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Arsenal will travel to take on Tottenham Hotspur in a North London derby clash on Sunday.
This is a fixture that always brings with it pressure and expectation, but mikel also has something of an arsenal injury crisis to contend with.
Martin Odegaard is the latest Arsenal player to have been afflicted. The Norwegian playmaker picked up an ankle injury whilst on international duty.
Arsenal have asked about Odegaard’s condition, and will thoroughly assess him upon his return to North London, but as things stand the club captain is unlikely to play any part against Spurs.
Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a knock whilst representing Italy, whilst fellow summer signing Mikel Merino remains sidelined with injury. Gabriel Jesus is also working his way back to full fitness, and may not be ready in time for derby day.
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