“I think advantage Arsenal.”
Paul Merson predicted who will finish fourth in the Premier League following Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
The former Arsenal midfielder sided with his old employers when he called who will get the last Champions League spot after their emphatic victory.
Paul Merson reflects on Arsenal’s emphatic win against Chelsea.
Merson was full of praise for Mikel Arteta’s side returning to winning ways following three straight defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Southampton.
The 54-year-old highlighted Chelsea’s defensive frailties with Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva absent from the starting 11.
“(It was) brilliant to go to Stamford Bridge and score four goals on the back of three defeats, phenomenal,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“When they turn up and see that team sheet, no Rudiger, no Silva (from the start). Two big players and (Kai) Havertz and they took advantage and fair play it’s in their hands now.”
Merson gives his top-four prediction.
Merson tipped Arsenal to finish in the top-four after full time as Tottenham Hotspur have tough fixtures compared to their North London counterparts. The pair are joint fourth, level on 57 points with six games remaining.
However, Merson disregarded Manchester United’s chances in the hunt for the final Champions League spot.
“I think advantage Arsenal. I don’t think Tottenham beat Brentford away (on Saturday). Brentford are flying at the moment,” Merson added.
“I think Manchester United’s a hard game (for Arsenal), I know they have been terrible but who doesn’t want to go to the Emirates and play football.
“You’ve got no pressure Man United, the first game played against a team of their magnitude and no one expects anything. Just go out on Saturday and get beat and no one cares.”
Arsenal’s next game is against Man United at the Emirates whilst Spurs are away to Brentford. Both fixtures take place on Saturday as the race for the final Champions League place gathers pace.
Related links:
- Antonio Conte issues Ireland injury update on Matt Doherty.
- Paul Scholes says Man United were ‘disgusting’ to watch in Liverpool loss.
- Top 10 Man United transfer targets as club plot summer overhaul.
