Paul Merson states Arsenal can finish in the top four if they keep their important players fit throughout the season.
After a dismal start to their campaign, Arsenal have turned a corner with three consecutive wins in the Premier League. Their latest winner came in the North London Derby against Tottenham, as Mikel Arteta’s side finally broke through their locks to give an energetic performance.
The win saw the Gunners climb over Tottenham in the table, and many have tipped them to fight for a better place come the end of the season. Arsenal do not have European football to contest this term, which probably could give them a slight advantage over their rivals with injuries and recoveries.
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson told Sky Sports that he would not be surprised if Arsenal lost their next match against Brighton. He said, “The game on Sunday was their bread and butter, but if they win away at Brighton on Saturday, then I will sit up. But if we talk next week and they have lost at the Amex, I would not be shocked. And that is the problem; they need to get a run of games together.
However, Merson also suggested that if Arteta can keep his best players fit from now and the end of the season, the Gunners might be able to finish in the top four. Merson said, “If Arsenal keep those players fit and they play every week, they would have a chance of getting in the top four and cause problems. They have no Europe this season, so they will have time to recover and work on the team.
“But this is Arsenal, though and has been since they last won the league in 2004, since when they have never really looked like winning the league. This is a good XI, but if they get injuries, they are going to struggle as there is not much after that. But from what I’ve seen the last few weeks, fair play to them,” he said.
“But how long with Thomas Partey be fit for? How long before Granit Xhaka gets five bookings and misses a game? And then an injury at centre back. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was closing down from the front and setting an example, but where has that been?”
Arsenal have finally shown what they can do with a thrilling performance as the new signings, alongside the experienced stars, are gelling in together. However, as Merson pointed out, injuries could prove a stumbling block and probably derail their ambitions this season.
