Paul Merson damning Arsenal Premier League title verdict with 'atrocious' problem blasted
It would not be surprising to see the Premier League trophy headed to Liverpool come the end of the season, Arsenal legend Paul Merson says after tonight's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta's side entered their late Saturday kick-off after a kick in the teeth - on the verge of a goalless draw at Brentford, league leaders Liverpool netted twice in stoppage time to move seven points clear.
Bouncing back, though, goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz brought a wave of optimism not only for tonight's match against an opponent that won at the Emirates Stadium last season but also generally in the title race.
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Then ensued eight minutes of madness. Going from 2-0 to 2-2, Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins converted to level up, prompting further groans inside the home of Arsenal.
More would follow in the 87th minute when VAR intervened to cancel Mikel Merino's seeming winner owing to the fact it deflected off Havertz's hand.
"The swing is massive. I'd be shocked if Liverpool didn't go on to win the title from here. For me, it was too easy, too lackadaisical," was Merson's assessment at full-time on punditry duty for Sky Sports.
Supporters left the Emirates Stadium dejected, bewildered at this capitulation. The former Highbury hero blasted: "If you want to win Premier Leagues you've got to turn up every day, every week. You've got to be prepared to do the business.
"If you look at the second goal, the defending is atrocious."
Following the day's results, Liverpool still lead the way on exactly 50 points. The Gunners then trail on 44 points, though have played one extra match at this stage of the season and therefore the possibility of a nine-point gap opening exists.
Looking over their shoulder, Nottingham Forest could move equal on points with a victory over last-placed Southampton on Sunday. With a win at Ipswich Town, reigning champions Manchester City could shorten their gap to Arsenal to six points.