Paul Merson has claimed that Arsenal are more interested in finishing in fourth place, when reliving the 3-3 comeback against Bournemouth.
The former midfielder played for the Gunners for 12 years between 1985 and 1997 and is sometimes described as an ‘Arsenal Legend’, but he seems to do nothing but talk badly about our club in recent years.
Merson regularly praises Tottenham in fact, and has admitted to being a boyhood Chelsea fan, and these facts make more sense to his quotes bias.
Paul played down our chance of winning this year’s Premier League title following our draw with the Cherries, before adding that Arsenal are more interested in coming fourth in the table, than they are with winning it.
“Looking at their draw at Bournemouth, I’d say so [their chances are gone],” Merson said.
“The last 20 minutes covered over the cracks.
“If they didn’t score that last goal, you’re thinking: ‘That’s it, end of’.
“Bournemouth embarrassed them at times but that point could be vital for Arsenal in the end.
“The way they celebrated the late goal, it seems to me Arsenal are more interested in finishing fourth than winning the league.
“They ran over to the fans after making it 3-3! Draws are no good anymore.”
Yes Olivier Giroud did over-celebrate when grabbing that equalising goal, but the rest of our team, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, was quick to get back into our own half for the kick-off, with the former Saints man eager to get the French goalscorer back to the game.
This wasn’t our best performance by a long shot, but the festive period is famous for throwing up shocks, such as a small club like Tottenham managing to gain only their fifth ever league win over the league leaders Chelsea.
But seriously, we can’t seriously believe that we are more interested in the top four than we are in the title, but staying in the Champions League places obviously remains the minimum for us.
Should Merson finally just shut up?
Pat J