Paul Merson makes remarkable Arsenal title claim ahead of Fulham clash

Paul Merson believes that Arsenal can end the Premier League title race this weekend with a victory against Fulham on Saturday evening.

With Manchester City not playing in the league last weekend, the Gunners moved themselves back to the top of the table with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Newcastle United.

But a three-point gap between Arsenal and City could temporarily become six if the Gunners make it back-to-back wins against Fulham ahead of City’s trip to Everton on Monday night.

And former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes that such a gap, even if only temporary, could prove a telling psychological advantage for the Gunners in the title race.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, he boldly declared: ‘If Arsenal win this game, they win the league!

‘Three points to Mikel Arteta’s team in this one and Manchester City will have to pull up trees to win the title from here on.

‘I said it before as well, these two games against Newcastle and Fulham are so crucial for Arsenal that I would not think of goal difference. I’d take a 1-0 win and just get the three points.’

Merson continued: ‘City still have to go to Everton and Bournemouth, which are two tricky away fixtures. Arsenal getting points on the board before those games will be an advantage for sure.

‘I watched City against Burnley and I thought they weren’t that great either. I expect them to score goals in games, but they could concede chances and a team like Everton or Bournemouth might hurt them!

‘Arsenal must forget about the second leg against Atletico Madrid and get the job done against Fulham. If they lose to Fulham, then they will definitely lose to Atletico on Tuesday. And hence, it could be all over for them in the next few days. Arsenal must get the win.’

Arsenal could welcome Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka back into the starting lineup after both featured off the bench against Atletico Madrid in midweek.

Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are expected to remain sidelined, will there are doubts over Martin Odegaard following his early withdrawal on Wednesday.

Fulham, meanwhile, are without three key players, with Alex Iwobi, Ryan Sessegnon and Kevin all unavailable.

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