The Premier League season may still have several twists left, but former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes this weekend could deliver the decisive blow to Manchester City’s title ambitions.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Liverpool, the television pundit painted a bleak picture for Pep Guardiola’s side and suggested the title race might effectively be settled before Sunday evening.
City travel to Anfield knowing anything less than victory would leave them facing a mountain to climb.
Arsenal’s strong position at the summit means the Sky Blues are already chasing the pack, and Merson feels the gap could soon become unbridgeable.
The ex-England international, never shy to offer a forthright opinion, admitted he struggles to see how City can emerge from Merseyside with the result they desperately need.
“I think the title will be wrapped up this weekend. I can’t see Arsenal dropping points in this game,” he told Sportskeeda.
His assessment reflects the growing sense that momentum has shifted firmly towards north London. Arsenal have shown resilience in recent weeks, finding ways to win even when not at their best, while City have looked unusually vulnerable.
Defensive lapses and a lack of fluency in midfield have raised questions about whether the Cityzens can rediscover the relentless form that carried them to glory in previous campaigns.
Merson went further, outlining a scenario he believes would spell the end of City’s challenge.
“If Arsenal win, they will be nine points clear at the top and then Manchester City go to Anfield, which means it will all be over on Sunday!”
Such a statement will sting supporters who have grown accustomed to late-season surges under Guardiola. Yet the statistics provide uncomfortable reading.
Liverpool’s record at home remains formidable, and City have often found the atmosphere on Merseyside difficult to master. With injuries and inconsistency affecting the squad, confidence is not at the level normally associated with the Etihad outfit.
The former Arsenal playmaker also highlighted Liverpool’s recent firepower as a key reason for his pessimism about City’s prospects.
“I’d be shocked if Liverpool lost this football match! They have bounced back well after conceding that last-minute winner against Bournemouth. 10 goals in the two games since then shows they are clicking in attack.”
- Beat Liverpool or forget Premier League title – Guardiola received warning
- Guardiola fires warning to Man City stars, reveals what he wants against Liverpool
“Manchester City have to win this game. Even a draw would mean the title race is over because Arsenal would still have an eight-point lead.
Like I said earlier, I expect the title race to be done this weekend, so Liverpool win.”
Guardiola urges respect for resurgent Liverpool
While the debate outside the club grows louder, Guardiola has attempted to keep the focus on performance rather than permutations.
The City manager used his pre-match press conference to emphasise the scale of the challenge awaiting his players and to pay tribute to the quality that Liverpool continue to possess.
Asked about Liverpool’s threat in Friday’s pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Always a tough opponent and a difficult place and stadium, especially with the quality of the players and the managers. Yes, it’s been tough.
“They remain an exceptional team. Top-class manager and an exceptional team, no doubt. The moments are the moments, the seasons are the seasons so always remains a good team.”
Tactically, the contest promises to be fascinating. City’s preference for control through possession will collide with Liverpool’s direct transitions and high press.
