Paul Merson believes Arsenal are returning to their former selves ahead of their clash against Manchester United after beating Newcastle at the weekend.
Writing on Sportskeeda, the ex-Highbury icon claimed that the Gunners are on the right patch to the top of the English game after beating a side that fans and pundits predicted would fall to Arsenal.
It might be a silly point to make, but Merson is on to something with these comments. Last season saw Arsenal lose and draw to clubs that, on paper, were unexpected. Mikel Arteta’s side lost to Aston Villa, Burnley and Everton at home, as well as drew to the likes of Southampton and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
And ahead of this Thursday’s massive fixture against Manchester United, Merson noted that the Gunners are returning to their old ways of beating clubs they should be beating on paper, with these results proving key to where Arsenal currently sit in the table.
Indeed, this season has seen the Gunners make a complete 180 on dropping points. Barring the opening day defeat to Brentford, Arsenal have secured wins against the aforementioned Villa and Burnley as well as Tottenham. And for Merson, these results have been impressive.
The Sky Sports pundit wrote ahead of the United match: “This is another huge football match (United vs. Arsenal). Arsenal are back to beating the teams they should beat and got a good result against Newcastle. They struggled against Brighton and Liverpool in the Premier League and haven’t been very good away from home.”
United win will confirm Arsenal’s status as European contenders
Results against lesser-league opposition has been the bedrock for which Arsenal have built their season on this campaign. And whilst the Gunners have beaten Tottenham, another scalp against a big Premier League side will all but confirm the north London side’s European intentions.
Indeed, Arsenal could climb into the top four if results go their way this week. And a win against United will send out a huge statement to Premier League sides that the Gunners are club that will be challenging for Europe this year.
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