Paul Merson makes Arsenal title claim ahead of Liverpool clash

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson (Picture: Sky Sports)

Paul Merson believes Arsenal can have the Premier League wrapped up by mid-December if they navigate a tricky run of fixtures that begins with a trip to Anfield on Sunday.

The Gunners moved level with Manchester City at the top of the table last weekend after a routine 2-0 home win against Everton.

But Mikel Arteta’s side were brought crashing back down to earth in midweek, suffering a penalty shootout defeat to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.

Looking to put that shock defeat behind them and get back to winning ways, Arsenal face a difficult trip to Merseyside to take on a Liverpool side that have won their last five matches in all competitions.

Sunday’s fixture marks the start of a tricky run of games for Arsenal, with games against Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham all to come after the international break.

But Merson believes a positive string of results in those tricky games will put his former side in the driving seat to retain their title come the end of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Arsenal midfielder said: ‘What a November Arsenal have, by the way. They’ve got a hard month, including the start of December.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

‘You’ll know by December 13 if Arsenal will win the Premier League. Because there’s a saying: after the hard games, come the easy games.

‘If Bukayo Saka is injured for this period, he’s going to be missed. People say he isn’t playing well, I think he’s a decision-maker – he constantly makes those right decisions week in, week out.

‘Now there’s Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze coming in and playing in his place.

‘It’s all well and good them coming in and playing for a couple, then sitting out for a couple – but when you’re asking them to play six to eight weeks on the trot, that’s a real tester.’