Paul Merson Makes Fresh Title Prediction After Watching Man City Beat Sunderland
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says Man City’s 5-3 win over Sunderland has convinced him that Enzo Maresca’s side will NOT win the title this season.
Before the campaign began, Merson backed his former club, Arsenal, to finish top of the table and, despite the Gunners’ heavy defeat to Brighton, he doesn’t believe their title rivals are good enough based on what he witnessed at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon:
“I sat there watching the game thinking, ‘if Manchester City put on a show and beat Sunderland convincingly, there could be a big momentum swing’.”
“Arsenal had been ripped to shred[s against Brighton] , fully deserved. I was thinking they’d win the league quite comfortably and not lose too many football matches. Have I got this wrong? Then I saw City against Sunderland and go, ‘no’. There’s no way Manchester City win the league.”
What are the odds of Man City winning the title?
Despite Merson’s remarks, the bookies have shortened the odds on Maresca’s team finishing in top spot. Betting firms are currently pricing them between 5/4 and 13/8.
Up until the weekend, Arsenal were odds-on to retain their crown, but their odds have now moved to evens, with some bookmakers placing them very close to City at 11/10.
Who do the two teams face after the international break?
City have a testing trip to Anfield on October 11th. Liverpool may not have looked that convincing under new head coach Andoni Iraola, but they remain unbeaten in all competitions since the Spaniard’s appointment.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will take on Leeds at home the day before. It is an early kick-off right after the international break, which can be tricky for players returning late from trips abroad. Like Liverpool. Daniel Farke’s team are also unbeaten, so it is by no means a guaranteed three points for the Gunners.