Paul Merson makes bold Arsenal prediction after they go back top of the Premier League

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Arsenal will win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years if they beat Fulham next weekend, according to Paul Merson. The Gunners beat Newcastle 1-0 on Saturday to restore some calm after a poor run of form and reclaim top spot.

Eberechi Eze's stunning curler from the edge of the box was enough for three points on a nervy evening in north London. The home side needed a good performance from goalkeeper David Raya and a big miss from Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa to get over the line.

With Manchester City busy beating Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final, Arsenal took their chance to reclaim top spot in the Premier League . Three straight wins for City, including the crucial victory over Arsenal last weekend, had brought Pep Guardiola's side level on points.

But Arsenal can increase the gap to six points by beating Fulham next Saturday, with City not in league action again until facing Everton away on Monday, May 4. That points cushion could prove crucial in the run-in, according to former Arsenal star Merson.

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"If Arsenal win next week against Fulham at home, Arsenal will win the league," Merson said confidently on Sky Sports . "I do [think so]. I've said all season that they'll win it. It is getting tight, but I think if they can go six points clear... Everton away is a difficult game (for Man City) when six points behind."

Jamie Redknapp added: "I think it's 50/50. I genuinely believe that. Anything could happen. We might get down to a situation with goal difference. We see the pressure. I watched Man City against Burnley on Tuesday night and there was a little bit of pressure in their performance. Anything can still happen."

Statisticians Opta make Arsenal heavy favourites, at 72 per cent for their first title since 2003/04, partly due to the perceived difficulty of their fixtures. Mikel Arteta's side play Fulham, West Ham , Burnley and Crystal Palace , while City face Europe-chasing Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth , Palace and Aston Villa .

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"We had a huge reset and I sensed a change in energy in the dressing room," Arteta told Match of the Day. "We enjoyed what we had to do and now we play the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final which is incredible."

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice added: "I think we said after last week that we have to win five games if you want to win the Premier League. That’s one down and now four to go. It was about winning no matter how we win."

Asked how they were dealing with the pressure, Rice said: "Block it out, we’ve got to this point for a reason, you know. There’s always going to be noise, from home fans, away fans, people outside. It’s about blocking it out and believing in what we can do and that is just winning football matches. We will continue to do that."

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