Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, April 17, 2026, 1:10 p.m. / Updated Friday, April 17, 2026, 1:10 p.m.
Paul Merson (58), Arsenal legend, believes that the match that the “gunners” will play this weekend at Manchester City will be decisive in the fight for the title in the Premier League. The former midfielder is skeptical of the result given the performance of Arteta's side in recent matches.
The match between Manchester City and Arsenal is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at the Etihad Stadium.
Paul Merson: “If they beat City, the championship is basically over, they are champions”
“It's just incredible how it all turned around. I honestly can't believe it! Looking back, Manchester City's victory seems the logical sure result. I watched the first 15 minutes of Arsenal's match against Sporting in the Champions League and immediately told my son: «it will be 0-0. I simply did not see how he could score a goal».
I can't imagine how Arsenal will manage to win all their remaining games if they lose to City on Sunday. Arsenal are very hard to watch at the moment. But the players must also see the bright side. If they beat City, the championship is basically over, they are champions. This is exactly how he must prepare for this meeting”, commented the former English international, according to sportal.bg.
Paul Merson in Arsenal's trio
Merson warned the “gunners” not to approach the game at the “Etihad” defensively.
“If Arsenal get to the Etihad, lock down in defense and play level, they will simply tear them to pieces. If they attack and lose, that will at least give them confidence. Only Mikel Arteta can say whether he asks the players to play in this way, or they themselves, under pressure, start to hide in their shells. Apart from Declan Rice, I don't see anyone else really showing up on the pitch.
I don't know what form Arsenal will be in this game. He has to impose his game. I'm trying my best to find arguments in favor of Arsenal, but I'm finding it extremely difficult. My heart says “equal”, and reason “victory for Manchester City”“, added the legend of the “gunners”.
Who was Paul Merson
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As a midfielder, Paul Merson played for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997
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Played in 424 matches, scored 99 goals and provided 55 assists
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In the Gunners shirt, Paul Merson won 2 championship titles (1989 and 1991, an FA Cup (1993), an FA Super Cup (1992) and a Cup Winners' Cup (1994)
Premier League standings
