Arsenal leads the Premier League standings 14 games into the season. After a failed title challenge last season, the Gooners must believe that this is their season – the season they end their Premier League title drought.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Wolves ensured that, regardless of how Manchester City and Liverpool perform this weekend, they will remain top of the Premier League. Even so, there’s reason to assume they’re not favorites to win the league. A surprise loss or draw could see them surpassed by either Manchester City or Liverpool. So, how can Arsenal secure their position as league title favorites?
Paul Merson believes his former club needs to be better than their key title rivals in the five games (including the Wolves game) before Christmas. He believes these games have the potential to either win or lose Arsenal the title battle.
“Five games before Boxing Day, big five games coming up for every team,” Merson said on Sky Sports. “If Arsenal get through this, I think Arsenal win the league.”
Following the victory over Wolves, Arsenal will play Luton Town on Tuesday, Aston Villa next Saturday, Brighton on December 17, and Liverpool on December 23.
They must be at their best if they are to continue their unbeaten streak in the next four games. Only perfection will allow them to defeat Manchester City and Liverpool in the title battle.
With four wins plus two wins over West Ham and Fulham to close the year, Arsenal can complete the necessary transfer business early in January and aim to have a dominant run when the league resumes on January 20th.
Darren N
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Usual Merson hype, sadly to be expected, given his long record of way over the top statements.
As a realist, which MERSON is NOT, I would put it this way: IF we indeed do not drop a single point in our remaining games this month against Villa, Brighton and Liverpool, AND win at Luton, we would indeed be close to City in the Prem title betting stakes, though even then I suggest we would still NOT be the bookies favourites.
I realse hype attracts comments, while realism sometimes lets fans THINK properly before posting yet more hype.
Talking about calling a spade a spade.
Bullish in his predictions, Paul Merson is not known for putting his mouth on the ground and telling it just how he sees it, and for that the former Arsenal man must be commended.
The pundit is not a pessimist it seems but talking pragmatic on Arsenal next five games.
Maybe the first to tell you nothing will be decided by Christmas is the legendary Frenchman, Arsne Wenger.
But if a rampant Arsenal, with all things considered, should go ahead and amass fifteen points before Christmas, with Brighton and Liverpool found wanting our final rattle will be hard to withstand.
“Our final rattle” as you put it, is around HALF A SEASON STILL LEFT.
FAR TOO SOON TO BE CERTAIN OF ANYTHING AT ALL, THAT FAR FROM THE END, AS WENGER ALWAYS ALSO SAID!
True word
A bit of a silly statement and Merse should know better, from personal experience. The league is won in April and May. When the heat is well and truly on and your methods tested.