LOSE to Liverpool, and Arsenal are out of the Premier League title race.
That is according to Paul Merson, who believes the Gunners cannot afford to fall behind because the “gulf is massive” at the top.
Arsenal, who sit third in the Prem after a shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last time out, host leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
But they will do so without the spine of their team.
With captain Martin Odegaard out with an ankle injury sustained on international duty, Bukayo Saka a doubt and William Saliba suspended after a red card at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday.
And former Gunner Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash could determine Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.
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Merson told Sky Sports: “This is a big football match, a huge football match.
“I’d go as far as to say that if Arsenal get beat here, I think they’re out of it. I really do.
“And people can say ‘Oh there’s 29 games left’ but after Manchester City beat Southampton, Arsenal will be six behind them.
“And if they lose on the weekend, they’re going to be seven behind Liverpool.
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“These teams put up figures and don’t look like they’re going to get beat by the lesser teams. The gulf is massive. I think this is a huge game.”
Arsenal could also be without Riccardo Calafiori, who came away from their cagey 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk injured, and Jurrien Timber, who picked up a knock against PSG, when Liverpool come to town.
Mikel Arteta admitted his side were tired in the second half against Shakhtar, who could have earned themselves a point were it not for David Raya’s excellent save to deny Pedrinho’s long-range shot in the 92nd minute.
Liverpool have a couple of injury problems of their own and have a day less to recover after their 1-0 trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Alisson is out with a hamstring injury while question marks remain over Diogo Jota, after the Portugal star limped off in the opening stages of their 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.
It may not be must-win just yet, but it’s close to must-not-lose for Arsenal.
Because while the gulf is massive, the margin for error is small.
Mikel Arteta’s side are already four points off leaders Liverpool and three points behind last season’s title rivals City, who host 19th place Southampton, who are winless this term.
But Merson might be being too hasty as Arsenal suffered four defeats by New Year last season, going onto to lose five games all season.
Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor Gunners
ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.
Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stages
Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.
BEN WHITE – 6
Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team.
Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.
One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5
Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.
Marked improvement in the second half.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.
Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.
Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.
Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.
Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.
GABRIEL JESUS – 8
Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.
Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.
Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.
Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.
Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.
Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.
SUBS
Mikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6
Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.
Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6
Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6
Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.
Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
