Arsenal will give Man City “a run for their money” Merson predicts title race

According to Paul Merson in his Sportskeeda column, Manchester City will manage to defend their Premier League title and win it for the fourth year in a row next season. Even with the loss of Ilkay Gundogan and the expected departure of Kyle Walker, the Arsenal legend believes that the Citizens are still the genuine deal in the Premier League, as their squad is still strong enough to battle for and win the title.

“I can’t look past Manchester City for the Premier League title. With Gundogan gone and Kyle Walker on his way out, it might be difficult for them this season. Arsenal could give them a run for their money, but City’s bench is very strong.”

When asked about Arsenal’s chances of winning the league, Merson suggested that it may come down to how Rice adjusts to Arsenal’s high-tempo style.

“Declan Rice will need to get used to the way Arsenal. They move the ball around a lot faster than he’s used to at West Ham and England. Arsenal could get close, but I don’t see Liverpool mounting a challenge at the moment.”

With the business they’ve already done, the Gunners hope to be bad news for Manchester City, preventing them from winning another Premier League title. However, Paul Merson believes that no one can stop Manchester City, pointing out that they themselves may be the masters of their own demise.

“At the moment, the only thing that could deny Manchester City the Premier League title is their own complacency. They’ve got the best squad and should be able to defend their crown.”

At the end of the day, Merson’s claims are just predictions and will remain predictions. Whoever doesn’t see Arsenal as the real deal next season has his own right to feel so.