'If that happens': Paul Merson has just predicted the scoreline for Manchester City vs Arsenal
Today at 01:15 AM
Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City for a game that could have massive implications for the Premier League title.
The two teams are separated by just two points in the league standings, which was also the points deficit between them at the end of last season as Manchester City won their fourth domestic crown on the bounce.
The Gunners have steadily improved under Mikel Arteta, but having come close over the last two seasons, they’ll finally look to cross the finish line this time around.
The 2024-25 Premier League campaign might be just over a month old, but Paul Merson suggests this is one of the biggest games of the season as he predicted the two sides to share the spoils.
Paul Merson predicts a draw between Arsenal and Manchester City
Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur in second gear last week, but Merson feels Man City are a different proposition altogether and highlighted the relentless nature of Pep Guardiola’s side in attack.
“If Arsenal had lost or dropped points against Tottenham last week, this could’ve been a must-win game for them,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda.
“But now this is just a game they must not lose and there’s a difference in that. No matter how suffocated they get, City always end up creating chances. Tottenham don’t have this quality and hence, Arsenal have a bigger challenge this weekend.
“They have to be switched on for more than 90 minutes to get a result. It’s also important for Arsenal to try and trouble City on the counter.
“They just can’t let their opponents come at them again and again, if that happens they’ll get found out.
While the Arsenal legend admitted that he was conflicted, he predicted a 1-1 draw in Manchester.
He continued: “My head is saying Manchester City win, but my heart says ‘Don’t get beat Arsenal’. But if I had to pick one team to win, that would be City. I’m still going for a draw here.”
Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal will beat the Cityzens, which would be a stunning result for his former club away from home.
How have Arsenal and Man City fared so far this season?
Man City have a flawless record in the Premier League and unsurprisingly lead the way at the top, with Erling Haaland scoring goals at will.
The Norwegian striker already has nine league goals to his name – including two hat-tricks – and will look to spearhead his side to victory once again.
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Arsenal, on the other hand, have three wins and a draw so far as they dropped points against Brighton & Hove Albion on matchday three.
The Gunners have a few injury absentees like Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard but were able to cope against Tottenham as they recorded a 1-0 win.
However, Man City are the best team in the Premier League and the Gunners will have to play out of their skins to get a positive result away from home.
