By Former Arsenal player Paul Merson believes that Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title this season are now slim to none following their 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa. The loss came as a significant blow to Arsenal’s hopes of securing their first league title since 2004. Despite the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the league, Arsenal faltered against a resilient Villa side managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
Merson expressed his disappointment, stating, “For me, it’s gone – 100 per cent. It’s completely turned on its head now.” He credited Villa and Crystal Palace for their outstanding performances, which have now put Manchester City in the driver’s seat for the title race.
The defeat raised questions about Mikel Arteta’s team selection, with Merson criticizing Arteta’s decision to make three changes to the starting lineup. Arteta opted for a different approach following Arsenal’s draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but the alterations failed to yield the desired result.
Despite the setback, Arteta remains determined to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of their upcoming fixtures, including a crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. Arteta urged his team to react positively to the defeat and demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity.
The loss highlighted Arsenal’s struggles to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain momentum throughout the match. While they showed promise in the first half, their performance dipped in the second half, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining composure and defensive solidity. He emphasized the importance of being clinical in front of goal and avoiding costly mistakes, especially against top-quality opposition.
Despite the setback, Arteta remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back and compete at the highest level. He urged his players to learn from their mistakes and channel their disappointment into motivation for future success.
