Paul Merson sets Mikel Arteta clear Arsenal test to measure title credentials against Man City

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday with a home fixture against Leicester City.

The Gunners swept Bolton aside 5-1 on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup after last weekend's fiery 2-2 draw at title rivals Manchester City. Sunday's stalemate at the Etihad Stadium saw Leandro Trossard sent off in controversial fashion before John Stones netted a late equaliser.

Arsenal are currently two points behind City in the table and have a good run of fixtures on paper. Mikel Arteta's side have games against Southampton and Bournemouth in between a Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

And former Gunners star Paul Merson has had his say on how his old side should approach the rest of the season. He believes Arteta's team should focus on conceding no more than a goal a game in the hope they can win a first top-flight league title since 2004.,

“From now until the end of the season, Arsenal should not let in more than one goal in any football match, that should be their aim," he told Sportskeeda. "They’re always going to score goals, that’s not an issue. If they keep it tight at the back, they have a chance of winning something."

The Gunners will be hoping that Rodri's season-ending for City could give them an advantage in the title race. However, Merson still believes Pep Guardiola's team are favourites to win a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title.

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He added: “I still don’t believe Arsenal are favourited for the title now after the injury to Rodri. You look at the substitutes that Manchester City have, and look at the size of that squad compared to Arsenal, who were bringing on Gabriel Jesus, who City actually let go, there is certainly a difference.”