Paul Merson rips apart Arsenal game plan and finds it 'extremely hard' to back old club

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Paul Merson admits he wants to make a case for Arsenal beating Manchester City on Sunday but concedes he is "finding it extremely hard" to do as he launched a blistering attack on their approach.

The Gunners head to the Etihad on Sunday for a game that may well decide the destination of the Premier League title. Victory for the hosts could see them assume top spot within days as Arsenal's late season collapse threatens to leave them trophyless yet again.

They drew with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night, ending a run of three losses in four, but their performance was far from convincing against the Portuguese side. Merson admits he thought within 15 minutes that the game would end goalless, such were Arsenal's struggles in attack.

A lack of pace has been cited as an issue and, despite making the last four of the Champions League , their performance did little to convince. Merson wants to back his former side, but recent results and displays are giving him little hope.

He told Sportskeeda : "Apart from Declan Rice , I don’t see anyone else being expressive on the pitch. There is no pace in that team, no urgency, no desire to get inside the box. They look nervous and what a bad time to be that way.

"I don’t know what Arsenal turn up for this game. They need to take the game to City here. I’m desperately trying to make a case for Arsenal, but I’m finding it extremely hard to do so. My heart says draw, but my head says Manchester City win.

Arsenal hold the advantage at the top, knowing they only need to avoid defeat to remain in control of the title race. Mikel Arteta and co are under pressure to end their trophy drought and end a run of second-place finishes, but Merson insists going to Manchester and playing for a draw is a recipe for disaster.

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He said: "Defensively, Arsenal are solid. If they don’t lose this game, they win the league. For City though, a draw is no good. They must win. I can’t see Arsenal winning all their remaining games if they lose to City on Sunday. It’s hard to watch Arsenal at the moment. If Arsenal go to the Etihad, sit behind the ball, absorb all the pressure and try to play for a draw, they will get destroyed by City!

"Even if they have a go and lose the game, it at least gives them confidence. Imagine if they sit behind the ball and lose 1-0? I don’t think it does any good for their confidence."

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