Merson refuses to change Arsenal prediction as Keane admits 'doubts' were wrong

12 May 2024 , 20:20

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Paul Merson insists Arsenal's title hopes have already ended (Image: Sky Sports)

Paul Merson stuck to his guns and insisted Arsenal will NOT win the Premier League after their win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Leandro Trossard scored the winner to ensure all three points for Mikel Arteta's men, a 27th Premier League victory of the season - one more than the club's fabled Invincibles.

That ensured the Gunners moved back to the top of the table and that this season's title race would go to the final day of the season - no matter what happens when champions Manchester City face Tottenham on Tuesday night.

If Spurs can stop Pep Guardiola's men from claiming all three points, then Arsenal will head into next Sunday with the destiny of the Premier League title in their own hands. But Merson, who wrote off his former club's chances after their defeat to Aston Villa last month, insists that Arsenal still won't claim a first Premier League crown in 20 years.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said: "After Arsenal's defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates I said the title race was all over and this hasn't changed my mind.

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"Manchester City just do what they do. Under pressure week in, week out, they do what they do. It is disheartening.

"I just don't think we give City enough respect, they are a phenomenal football team, and Arsenal are probably going to finish second."

Sorry Mikel - the title won't be yours insists Paul Merson (PA)

Former United captain Roy Keane, sitting alongside Merson on punditry duty, agreed... revealing he had actually doubted City's title credentials.

But Keane believes Guardiola's men won't be stopped from making it four straight titles and creating a new slice of English football history.

"I questioned Manchester City four or five weeks ago, thinking to myself that I'm not quite sure they can do it," admitted Keane. "But in the last few weeks I don't know why I even doubted them.

"The quality and strength in their squad, players off the bench are world class, a world class manager in Pep, everything. They are just a machine.

"Even away to Fulham, far from an easy game and they win by four goals. You just can't see them being stopped now."

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Alex Richards