Paul Merson says he expects Tottenham to finish above Arsenal.
Paul Merson is surprisingly bullish about Tottenham’s prospects this season compared to his former club Arsenal.
The Gunners have won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions and have edged ahead of Spurs in the Premier League table.
The ex-Gooner is convinced though that Tottenham will finish higher and beat Arsenal to a Champions League spot.
He predicts Tottenham will finish fourth and Arsenal in sixth place with Manchester United in between.
Speaking this week to SkySports, he said: “Tottenham might not have signed anyone in the summer, but they’ve only got to get into the top four and before Monday night it was their best start to a season.
“Arsenal have too much to do to bridge the gap, their defence is still the same as it was under Arsene Wenger in terms of giving away chances, and Manchester United are dropping too many points and not looking convincing at the minute.”
Arsenal face a big game against Liverpool this weekend and if Unai Emery’s side can win that, they will be taken more seriously.
Their early season defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City have meant that their recent strong run has not got the attention it would have otherwise warranted.
Tottenham have the benefit of the doubt after finishing above Arsenal in successive seasons.
They face the Gunners twice over the next few weeks in the league and cup. Lose both, and Merson will probably be scrambling to reassess his prediction.
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