Paul Merson’s prediction and outlook on the top-five rac ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal seem rather bizarre considering our recent history against the Gunners.
In our three battles against Mikel Arteta’s side this season, two in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and one at home in the Premier League in November, we have come out of all three with wins and a clean sheet.
Today, with Arsenal trying to fight us off from leapfrogging them into second, nobody is expecting an easy game at the Emirates – but the way Merson discredits us, and our league position, is quite odd.
Paul Merson showed his bias when predicting Newcastle to be “in trouble” when they take on Arsenal, who the Mags have beat three times this season while not conceding once, on Sunday.
Merson featured 423 times for Arsenal and showed his preference for the side he started his career before divulging into some strange comments downplaying our position in the league table heading into next Sunday’s finale against Everton.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: “Newcastle will be in trouble here. I don’t see anything but an Arsenal win. Looking back at last week, Arsenal were 2-0 down and still got a result against Liverpool at Anfield.
“Considering the disappointment in the Champions League, Arsenal will want to ensure they don’t give up on second place in the table.
“If Newcastle lose this game that puts them in a tricky position. Out of all the teams fighting to secure Champions League football, Newcastle have the toughest match on the final day of the season in my opinion.
“Chelsea vs Forest is a virtual shootout, Aston Villa will face Manchester United after the Champions League final and Manchester City Fulham. Newcastle host Everton and that will be a trick game.
“The only Newcastle United have is their goal difference compared to the others and they will be hoping not to hurt that too much against Arsenal.
“Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle.”
Some of the comments from Merson are downright strange: “If Newcastle lose this game that puts them in a tricky position,” not to say Sunday will be easy, but an odd take when we’re in the driving seat – and a win against Everton on the final day guarantees top five regardless of our result against Arsenal.
He also acts as though goal difference isn’t key especially at this stage of the season with the points so tight, and it being all that currently keeps us ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa.
