Arsenal’s shocking elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United might be a positive development for their Premier League title aspirations, according to former Gunners player Paul Merson.
Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool to four points after their dramatic north London derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Merson believes that Arsenal can benefit from being knocked out of the FA Cup as it allows them to focus their energy on the Premier League title race.
“Looking back now, the Man Utd defeat [in the FA Cup] might be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal,” Merson told Sky Sports. “It wasn’t a great defeat at the time, but it could work out well. It takes another game away and another week to get players rested.”
Arsenal face a crucial match against Aston Villa this weekend, and Merson believes it is a must-win game for the Gunners.
“The Villa game is must-win for Arsenal,” Merson said. “The way they are and have started, there is no gap to make any mistakes. They have to keep on winning and go on a mad run.”
Merson also highlighted Arsenal’s need for a new striker, especially after the news that Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the season.
“Everyone knows Arsenal need a forward,” Merson said. “They need to freshen it up, they don’t need to play straight away, but they need that extra body.”
Despite the need for a new striker, Merson is impressed with the performances of young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“It is amazing what Myles Lewis-Skelly has done; to come through the ranks at a big club like Arsenal and to get in the team,” Merson said. “You would think he has played 100 games for Arsenal already the way he has fit in.”
Overall, Merson believes that Arsenal are in a good position to challenge for the Premier League title, and their FA Cup exit could be a positive factor in their title race.
