‘That tells the story’ – Arsenal fan left visibly furious as Paul Merson empathises after Aston Villa collapse

Yesterday at 04:48 PM

Paul Merson joked that his emotions echoed those of an infuriated Arsenal fan after Aston Villa dented their title hopes.

The Gunners failed to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool by throwing away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 on Saturday.

Arsenal, who scored thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, were pegged back by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins finishes for Villa.

It’s a result that now has Arsenal sitting six points behind Liverpool, who beat Brentford 2-0 earlier in the day and have a game in hand.

During the post-match scenes at the Emirates Stadium, TV cameras spotted a visibly furious Gunners fan.

He was seen slamming the seat in front of him and shouting before putting his head in his hands after watching his side drop points.

“That tells the story,” Sky Sports presenter David Jones said, with Arsenal legend Merson then jokingly claiming: “That’s me innit?”

Much of Arsenal fans’ frustrations may be down to VAR’s decision to disallow a late goal and cut their celebrations short.

Mikel Merino’s shot deflected into the back of the net to make it 3-2 but was then adjudged to have come off the arm of Havertz.

Merson had no issue with the goal being chalked off and revealed his confusion over why Havertz still celebrated the goal.

“Well it’s handball, blatant. The rules are, if it hits your hand… I mean, I can’t believe Havertz has run away.”

He added: “It’s hit his arm, it’s gone in. I think the ‘keeper either saves it or it’s going wide and it’s hit his hand.

“He’s run off, like… I can understand if it’s in the Championship, you’re going to get away with it, there’s no VAR.”

However, Watkins admitted his belief that Villa were lucky with the decision to disallow the goal.

“Seeing it back there I’m not sure, I think it’s gone in favour for us to be honest,” he said when watching the replays.

“If that was against me I think I would be a little bit disappointed… From that angle I’m not sure, but that’s what VAR is there for.”

Arsenal’s next Premier League outing comes at home to a struggling Wolves before a huge test against Manchester City.

They could soon fall further behind in the title race if Liverpool win their game in hand to extend their lead at the top to nine points.