Pundit claims Arsenal game is a must win for Liverpool

Pundit claims Arsenal game is a must win for Liverpool Paul Merson says Liverpool must beat Arsenal as Premier League title test arrives Paul Merson believes Liverpool’s improving form needs one decisive result to become a convincing Premier League title argument: victory over Arsenal at Anfield. The former Arsenal midfielder says Andoni Iraola’s side are beginning to gather momentum, but regards Sunday’s meeting as an opportunity they cannot afford to miss if they want to challenge the champions. His assessment comes as Arsenal enter a demanding sequence of fixtures that he believes could reveal the direction of the title race before Christmas. Speaking to Sky Sports, in comments reported by Matt Addison for Liverpool.com, Merson argued that the next few weeks carry significance for both clubs. Liverpool momentum faces decisive Arsenal examination “Liverpool are starting to cook a little bit, but they have got to win this Sunday if they want to be in the Premier League title race,” Merson said. It is a firm judgement on a team showing signs of progress under Iraola. Recent improvement has encouraged greater optimism, but Merson wants Liverpool to demonstrate that development directly against a leading rival. His argument rests partly on the implications of allowing the existing gap to remain. “If they don’t win, they stay six points behind at least and still have to go to the Emirates. You’re then asking Arsenal to lose two football matches without you losing one.” A victory would reduce that deficit and strengthen Liverpool’s position. A draw would preserve the gap, while defeat would increase the distance between the teams. Merson’s assessment makes Anfield an important opportunity to influence the race directly, rather than depend on results elsewhere. Fixture run shapes Merson’s title prediction Merson also believes Arsenal’s approaching schedule could provide a strong indication of whether they will retain the championship. “What a November Arsenal have, by the way,” he said. “They’ve got a hard month, including the start of December. You’ll know by December 13 if Arsenal will win the Premier League.” His reasoning is that successfully negotiating the most demanding fixtures would leave Arsenal better placed for the matches that follow. “Because there’s a saying: after the hard games, come the easy games.” Liverpool.com highlights upcoming league tests against Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester City, Brentford, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Manchester United. A European meeting with Real Madrid adds another demand to the wider schedule. Merson’s prediction should be understood as a judgement about Arsenal’s prospects, rather than a claim that the title could formally be secured by that date. His confidence depends on how they emerge from the difficult spell. Saka concern puts attacking depth under scrutiny Arsenal’s ability to maintain their level could also depend on availability, with Merson highlighting the importance of Bukayo Saka. “If Bukayo Saka is injured for this period, he’s going to be missed,” he said. “People say he isn’t playing well, but I think he’s a decision-maker. He constantly makes those right decisions week in, week out.” That assessment emphasises the reliability Saka brings to attacking situations. Merson sees value in his choices as well as the more visible goals and assists. He also pointed to the different demands placed on Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze when they are required to contribute repeatedly rather than intermittently. “It’s all well and good them coming in and playing for a couple, then sitting out for a couple, but when you’re asking them to play six to eight weeks on the trot, that’s a real tester.” His concern is conditional, but clear: a prolonged absence would place greater responsibility on Arsenal’s alternatives. Home result could change Liverpool conversation For Liverpool, the immediate task is to turn recent encouragement into a result that strengthens their standing against Arsenal. Merson expects further setbacks during the season, which is why he places such weight on taking this opportunity. “Given Liverpool will lose more games this season, you’re then asking Arsenal to lose three or four games for the rest of the season. That’s a lot of games.” That is a forecast rather than a certainty. The broader point is that pursuing a rival becomes harder when the margin for error narrows. Liverpool follow the Arsenal match with trips to Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace before the international break. First, though, comes a fixture capable of altering perceptions of their ambitions. A win would not settle the title question. It would give Liverpool a stronger answer to it.