Paul Merson has named Arsenal’s hardest remaining Premier League fixture after they defeated fierce rivals Tottenham 3-2 in the north London derby.
On Sunday, the Gunners surged ahead with a 3-0 lead against Spurs, but even after Ange Postecoglou’s team narrowed the gap to 3-2, the Gunners maintained their composure to secure an important victory.
The outcome placed Arsenal four points ahead of their title contenders Manchester City, until Pep Guardiola’s team easily defeated Nottingham Forest, cutting the lead back down to one point.
After a hectic Sunday in the Premier League, Arsenal leads City by one point with three games left, though Guardiola’s team has a game in hand.
Arsenal will play Bournemouth at home in their next match on Saturday, followed by a visit to Old Trafford on May 12, aiming to prevent a late-season collapse like the one that hurt them the previous year.
On the last day of the Premier League season, the North London team will take on Everton at the Emirates, hoping to clinch their first top-flight title in 20 years.
Meanwhile, City will play Wolves at home, followed by consecutive away games against Fulham and Tottenham, before hosting West Ham on the final day.
Ahead of the North London derby, Arsenal legend Paul Merson accurately forecasted that his former club would defeat Spurs and pointed to Manchester United as a more significant challenge for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Arsenal are a better team all around the pitch [compared to Tottenham],’ Paul Merson told Sky Sports. ‘I don’t see anything but an Arsenal win to put pressure on City.
‘No [I do not think Spurs is Arsenal’s toughest remaining game]. I think it’s Manchester United. I still think it’s Manchester United.
They just turn up against Arsenal. I don’t know what it is. You’d have to ask them. But Arsenal very rarely go up there and do well. For me, it’s their hardest game.’Paul Merson added.
Arsenal secured a 3-1 victory over Erik ten Hag’s team at the Emirates in September. Six months later, Ten Hag remained upset about the outcome, highlighting several decisions he felt were unfavorable to his team.