Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned that Sunday’s clash with Manchester United is crucial to the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions this season.
The 2025/26 campaign kicks off on Friday night when champions Liverpool host Bournemouth, but the standout fixture of the opening weekend comes at Old Trafford, where Ruben Amorim’s United face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
After three consecutive second-place finishes, pressure is mounting on Arteta to finally deliver silverware, and Merson believes Arsenal cannot afford to slip up on the opening weekend.
“This is a must-win game for Arsenal, it’s as simple as that!” Merson told SportsKeeda. “If you look at their fixtures after this weekend, it goes Leeds at home, Liverpool away, Forest and City at home, then a trip to Newcastle.
“If they don’t beat Manchester United on Sunday, I don’t expect them to beat Liverpool and City during this run. Suddenly, they could be seven or nine points behind in the title race.”
Time to run it back at Old Trafford against Manchester United tomorrow… 🔜💯 pic.twitter.com/BfsJgfJQfl
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 16, 2025
The former England international also backed new signing Viktor Gyokeres to play a key role for Arsenal this season after impressing in pre-season.
“Gyokeres scored a brilliant header in pre-season. When Arsenal are under pressure in certain games, he will become a nuisance for defenders, running the channels and working tirelessly. He’s a real presence in front of goal and will cause problems for opponents,” Merson said.
Despite his warning, Merson remains optimistic about Arsenal’s chances of ending their two-decade wait for the league title, provided key players stay fit.
“I think Arsenal can win the league if they keep all their main players fit,” he added. “I’d be shocked if Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all play 35 games and Arsenal still don’t win the Premier League. They are massive favourites if that happens.”
Backing his former club, Merson even predicted the scoreline at Old Trafford, tipping the Gunners to edge out United with a 2-1 victory.