Former Arsenal forward, Paul Merson, has reckoned that Liverpool, rather than Manchester City, may present a significant challenge to the Gunners in the Premier League title race this season.
Mikel Arteta’s team are the reigning champions, having ended a 22-year title drought last campaign.
The Gunners finished seven points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. With the Spaniard now departed after a decade at the Etihad, City have appointed former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as his replacement.
In his Sky Sports column (as reported by Metro), Merson elaborated on why he believes Liverpool could be the closest competitors to Arteta’s side in the Premier League, stating, “I don’t think Man City will win the Premier League this year anyway. They didn’t win it last year with the best manager in the world.
“They were only ever in the title race because Arsenal had a poor three weeks. I think Liverpool are Arsenal’s nearest challengers this season.”
Further discussing why City may not contend for the league title, Merson added, “In the crucial matches, particularly when they are playing away in the Champions League during the quarter-finals or the last 16, you require two holding midfield players.
“They were somewhat too exposed in the Champions League and performed below expectations last year. However, the ultimate goal is the 38 matches in the Premier League. And there aren’t sufficient matches in the Premier League for both to be on the field simultaneously.
“Unless they acquire Anderson and he undergoes a season of development under the best in the world, Rodri. But £116m is a substantial amount to invest in someone to be a backup. Rodri will want to play, and he won’t be content to sit on the bench as someone’s backup.
City bought Elliott Anderson in a reported deal worth £116 million, while Spain’s 2026 -winning captain Rodri is rumoured to be set to join Real Madrid.
EPL: Paul Merson snubs Man City, names club to challenge Arsenal in title race this season