PAUL MERSON has revealed Arsenal’s title dreams are “100 per cent gone” following their shock 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
At the beginning of the Premier League weekend, The Gunners were in the lead but lost their top spot to Manchester City after they defeated Luton Town 5-1.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool had the opportunity to regain the top spot from the reigning champions.
However, Liverpool suffered a defeat at home against Crystal Palace while Arsenal fell short against Villa giving up two late goals.
As City is currently leading the race with only six matches remaining Gunners legend Merson believes Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title are over.
The TV pundit did not hold back in his criticism of Arsenal’s “lazy” defense against Leon Bailey’s goal, pointing out their inability to stop the initial cross.
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Merson said on Sky Sports: “You don’t get these chances, you’ll sit there at home tonight and go it is gone.
“For me it is gone. You’ve worked that hard for 32 games to go that extra yard, just one yard, to stop that cross and it is lazy.”
When asked if the title was gone for the Gunners Merson said “100 per cent”.
Last season Arsenal showed dominance before faltering in the final stages.
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This season they hoped to avoid a similar downfall, but their recent loss has given the upper hand back to the reigning champions.
And Merson believes the title race is now decided.
He continued: “They are chasing the best team in the world, who do it year in, year out.
“They reel off wins – when was the last time they got beat? They just reel them off, we’re not sitting here wondering how City will be for the rest of the season – they’ll reel them off.
“If it was someone else they were chasing then every chance, but Arsenal are bang out of luck.”
City’s next matches are against Nottingham Forest and Fulham, with their toughest test possibly coming against Tottenham.
Arsenal on the other hand face tough opponents like Wolves, Tottenham, and Manchester United in the coming weeks.
Although Arsenal suffered their first league defeat of the year Declan Rice believes the title race is still wide open.
He said: “I still think there will be plenty more twists and turns to go.
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“We’re in a three-horse title race with two unbelievable sides but, as you’ve seen with other results today, the Premier League can throw up anything.
“Six finals to go in the Premier League and we’ll give it everything.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
