Arsenal - Paul Merson
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Paul Merson has tipped one surprise team to cause Arsenal real trouble as the Gunners continue their push for the Premier League title.
Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the table after their hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. With Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all dropping points, Mikel Arteta’s side have strengthened their position as early favourites to win the title.
The Gunners have been in outstanding form this season, winning 11 of their 13 games in all competitions and conceding only three goals. Their only blemishes remain a 1–0 loss to Liverpool and a 1–1 draw with Manchester City.
However, despite Arsenal’s dominance, Merson believes there’s one game on the horizon that could pose a real test for his former club.
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“When I saw Arsenal’s fixtures recently, I thought they had such an easy run of games,” Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column. “But, in a couple of weeks, Sunderland are going to give them such a hard game at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will cause Arsenal problems.
“They are an athletic team with pace. They are well drilled and organised, and they counter with pace. They also make the right decisions on the counter, picking the right pass. They didn’t waste the ball when they had it. I was so impressed with them at Stamford Bridge, and you have to say they are safe. They were superb.”
Finished 4th in the Championship, now 4th in the Premier League
Sunderland really mean the EPL business this time 💪 #Centerkick #Premierleague #Sunderland pic.twitter.com/UedZ3jgIsd
— CenterKick (@Centerkick_) October 27, 2025
Sunderland’s resurgence has been one of the stories of the season. Back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, the newly promoted side have stunned many by climbing into fourth place after their 2–1 win at Chelsea last weekend, just five points behind Arsenal.
Manager Regis Le Bris has inspired a fearless, high-energy team that’s been bolstered by several smart signings, most notably former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
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“Whoever is in charge of Sunderland’s recruitment needs a knighthood,” Merson added. “Xhaka has been some buy, but it is not just him. Every player that has come in has been exceptional.
“I don’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on them, but they don’t have to worry about relegation now after this start. They need another four or five wins in 29 football matches and I expect them to do that easy.”
Arsenal face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on November 8, but before that, they’ll turn their attention to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, Burnley on Saturday and Slavia Prague in the Champions League as they look to keep their winning momentum alive.
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