Paul Merson makes bold title race prediction ahead of Arsenal’s blockbuster clash against Liverpool

Paul Merson has claimed Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes will be over if they lose to Liverpool this weekend.

The Gunners host the Reds at the Emirates on Sunday, with both sides having had an impressive start to the season and putting themselves alongside Man City in the race for the title.

However, Arsenal suffered a major setback last week when they lost 2-0 to Bournemouth, leaving them four points behind Arne Slot’s side, who sit at the top of the table.

And ahead of the blockbuster showdown, former Arsenal star Merson insisted Mikel Arteta’s side must get a result this weekend to have any hope of winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

“If they lose this, they’ll be seven points behind,” Merson said Sky Sports News.

He said Arsenal, who are four points behind the Reds, will drop out of the title race if they lose

Arne Slot’s team are currently at the top of the table after a hugely impressive start to the season

‘I don’t see Man City not beating Southampton, so (if Arsenal lose) that would be seven to six points behind their two biggest rivals for the title.

“That’s a lot of points, especially the way these teams win football games. They beat smaller teams with ease and the gap is huge at the moment.

‘I would be shocked. If Arsenal lost this and won the league I would be absolutely amazed. I’d be amazed.’

The Gunners have narrowly missed out on the title in the last two seasons, finishing two to five points behind City.

And Merson believed Sunday’s match was crucial if Arteta’s side can finally take that all-important next step, before stressing things will get even tougher this season with two rivals for the title.

“They’re not just chasing one team, they’re chasing two,” he added.

‘All this is about the fact that there are still 29 games to go and Arsenal will lose the title (if they lose).

‘I just don’t see how Arsenal are going to catch up (a seven-point deficit) with the numbers that Manchester City have put up in the last five to six years.’

Merson also discussed the availability issues Arsenal faced in the crucial encounter, with Arteta’s side particularly lacking in defence.

William Saliba is suspended, while Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard are all doubtful.

The expert felt that a seven-point deficit would be too much for Mikel Arteta’s team to make up for

Merson also highlighted the impact Arsenal’s availability issues could cause on Sunday

“Very much (it’s a tough position to be in),” Merson explained. ‘I was at Soccer Special mid-week and we were keeping track of the statistics about Saliba.

“But Saliba’s stats are (great) because he plays with Gabriel. When he plays with Gabriel, they make a great partnership.

‘It’s like Cole and Yorke were playing up front for Man United: they’re so strong.

“You take one out and they’re not the same anyway. My only advantage for Arsenal is that they are always in the football game and that gives them a chance this weekend.”