Paul Merson is convinced Arsenal have blown their chances of winning the Premier League after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa.
The former Gunners midfielder rued the efforts of Ben White and Kai Havertz after seeing his former team fall to goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.
The defeat left Arsenal two points behind Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side’s title aspirations were previously boosted by Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
“You have to stop that cross.” He said on Sky Sports, referring to Havertz’s attempt to shut down Lucas Digne for Villa’s opener.
‘There was a time when Ben White jumped out of an inning before coming out. You have to stop these things. These opportunities arise when there aren’t too many opportunities in life to win the league and you have to go out and stop that.
Paul Merson criticized Arsenal after their defeat and stated that there is no chance of them winning the title
Ben White (right) was criticized by Merson, who claimed the defender withdrew from a challenge before being substituted.
Leon Bailey carefully saved Lucas Digne’s deflected cross for Aston Villa’s first game at the Emirates.
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‘Ben White jumps off a tackle, he’s a defender who jumps.
“You don’t get these opportunities. You go home tonight and you think that’s gone. For me it’s gone. You’ve worked so hard for 32 games to get that extra yard, just one yard to stop that crossing.
‘He’s lazy. It’s 100% gone.’
Arsenal’s defeat has fueled fears of a collapse similar to the one they suffered at the end of last season. The Gunners enjoyed a healthy lead over City before winning just three of their last eight games.
Pep Guardiola’s side now sit at the top of the table, seeking a record fourth consecutive league title with just six games left to play.
Merson believes the relentless defending champions will have no problem getting maximum points in their remaining matches.
“They are chasing the best team in the world.” He added. ‘The best team that has done it year after year.
Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League after beating Luton 5-1 at the Etihad on Saturday.
“It’s not like we’re sitting here thinking, ‘I wonder what Manchester City will be like this season with the rest of the games.’
‘They will shell them. They will continue to play and play and destroy teams. If they were chasing someone else, whenever possible. “I’ve seen this team too many times, they’re unlucky, Arsenal.” “They are chasing one of the best teams to ever play football.”