Paul Merson says Liverpool have to beat Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, with kick-off at 4.30pm, if they want to stay in the Premier League title race. Arsenal arrive with a six-point lead, and Merson’s point is blunt enough: a draw or defeat leaves Liverpool with too much to do.
Liverpool's title case
"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. He added: "If they don't win, they stay six points behind at least and still have to go to the Emirates."
Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League with 15 points from eight league matches, so the game is not just about staying in touch, it is about whether their start can be upgraded into something that looks like a proper challenge. They have won their last five matches in all competitions, but the league gap still leaves little margin for error.
Arsenal's run after Anfield
Arsenal are second on 21 points from eight league matches and have not won at Anfield in the league since 2012. Merson also pointed to what comes after the trip to Merseyside, saying: "What a November Arsenal have, by the way. They've got a hard month, including the start of December."
He added: "You'll know by December 13 if Arsenal will win the Premier League. Because there's a saying: after the hard games, come the easy games." That run includes Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham after the international break, so Sunday sits at the front of a much tougher stretch.
Merson also flagged Bukayo Saka: "If Bukayo Saka is injured for this period, he's going to be missed. People say he isn't playing well, I think he's a decision-maker - he constantly makes those right decisions week in, week out."
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
