Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Liverpool must beat Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday to retain a realistic chance of challenging for the Premier League title this season.
The reigning champions travel to Merseyside six points ahead of Andoni Iraola’s side, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the early title race.
Liverpool have won five consecutive matches across all competitions, while Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league outings.
However, Merson believes anything other than a home victory would leave Liverpool facing a difficult task of catching Arsenal.
“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 wrote in his latest Sky Sports column.
The former England international pointed out that Liverpool would still have to visit the Emirates Stadium later in the campaign.
He argued that a six-point deficit would require Arsenal to suffer several defeats while Liverpool maintained an almost flawless record.
Merson even suggested that an Arsenal victory at Anfield could effectively eliminate Liverpool from the championship race.
“If Arsenal go and win against Liverpool, that could nearly be it for the Premier League title,” he added.
Nevertheless, the pundit acknowledged that avoiding defeat would also represent a respectable outcome for Arsenal.
The Gunners have not won a Premier League match at Anfield since September 2012, when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was still part of the playing squad.
Merson believes ending that drought would make a significant statement about Arsenal’s prospects of retaining their title.
He also highlighted the demanding schedule awaiting Arteta’s side throughout November and early December.
Arsenal face Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the league, alongside Champions League encounters against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
Merson suggested that their title credentials would become considerably clearer after that difficult sequence.
However, he expressed concern about Bukayo Saka’s injury and the potential consequences of his prolonged absence.
The England international is unavailable for Sunday’s encounter, leaving Arsenal increasingly reliant on their remaining attacking options.
Merson praised Saka’s decision-making and consistency, arguing that his contribution extends beyond goals and assists.
He also questioned whether Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze could maintain their effectiveness if required to play regularly over several consecutive weeks.
The suspension of Max Dowman has further reduced Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the Anfield trip.
Despite those concerns, Merson believes Arsenal have an opportunity to make a major statement against one of their principal rivals.
A victory would not settle the title race, but it would strengthen Arsenal’s position heading into a potentially decisive run of fixtures.