Paul Merson has described Arsenal’s display against Tottenham at the weekend as embarrassing, whilst ruling out their top-four hopes.
The Gunners succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of neighbours Spurs on Sunday, spelling an end to the St Totteringham’s Day possibility, as we can no longer finish above our rivals.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has now slammed the display, whilst ruling out our hopes of reaching the top-four.
Writing in a column for Sky Sports, Merson said of Arsenal, who next entertain Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday: “Chelsea need to win three games and if they could hand-pick those fixtures then they’d probably go with the ones they’ve got.
“It was a big result for Liverpool in terms of finishing third and they, like City, have got a pretty favourable run-in.
“United, in contrast, have got too many difficult games and they’ve got to put their eggs into the Europa League basket right now.
“They’ve got to weigh it up. If they win their next three games in the Europa League then they’ll qualify for the Champions League, whereas if they win all four of their league games they could still miss out.
“As for Arsenal, they were embarrassing on Sunday. They’ve got some tough games still and they’re just not playing well enough to win them all, even if those above them slip up.”
Our push for the top-four could all-but end this weekend should we fail to beat Manchester United, but they should have one eye on the Europa League semi-final, and should be able to move within two points of the Red Devils, albeit having played a match less.
Is Merson wrong to rule out our top four chances? Do our team have enough to end the season well?
Pat J