Arsenal great Paul Merson has predicted his old team will be ripped to shreds when they face Liverpool in nine days time.
The Gunners have enjoyed a terrific run of form under new boss Unai Emery, winning ten games in a row, but Merson is not convinced by their supposed title challenge.
When asked if top-six regulars Arsenal were genuine title challengers he said: “No. If they finish in the top four they’ve pulled up trees,” he told talkSPORT. “They’ve done well to win ten games on the trot, don’t get me wrong.
“But when they come up against Tottenham and Liverpool, and especially Liverpool at the Emirates, I would be shocked if Liverpool didn’t win by three clear goals. They will rip Arsenal to shreds. They haven’t played anybody yet, and you can’t play like this against teams like Liverpool.”
OPINION
It’s strange to see an ex player talk about his old team like this, but it seems like Merson just wants to stay realistic and isn’t looking to get carried away by this new look Arsenal side. To be fair, the Gunners haven’t faced a real top team during their 10 game winning streak, and they will experience a much sterner examination when they take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium a week on Saturday. For all their attacking talent, which has looked superb this season, Emery’s side still look fragile at the back and, if that’s the case, Liverpool will eat them alive. The Reds front three appear to be back to their best and they will relish taking on this Arsenal backline. Merson is being slightly pessimistic, but you can’t blame him for fearing the worst when Liverpool come to town. It could well turn into the mauling he’s predicted at the Emirates.
