Former England midfielder Paul Merson suggests that the impact of an Arsenal winning the Premier League title this season may stretch beyond north London, potentially triggering a significant change at Manchester City.
The Gunners head into the latest round of fixtures with a narrow but meaningful advantage at the top of the table, two points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side.
It is a position earned through consistency rather than drama, with Mikel Arteta’s team setting a relentless pace from the opening weeks of the campaign. Although there have been moments where their grip on first place has loosened slightly, Arsenal remain firmly in control of their own destiny.
For Merson, that control is the key factor. Speaking with conviction, he insists that Arsenal’s depth, maturity and calm under pressure put them in the strongest position to go all the way.
He argues that even with more than half of the season still to play, the balance of power has shifted — and that shift could have lasting consequences for the Premier League’s most dominant force of recent years.
Merson believes that hunger, combined with strength in numbers, gives Arsenal the edge in a title race that remains tight but revealing.
“I think they [Arsenal] win the league,” said Merson per Sky Sports. “There are 22 games to go. Their squad is so big and so strong that they win the league, in my opinion. If there were six games to go and I was sitting here and it was two points, then I’d say Man City!”
The point he makes is a familiar one in Premier League circles. Manchester City have built a reputation for late surges, often hunting down leaders with ruthless efficiency during the run-in. But Merson’s assessment suggests that this season feels different.
Rather than wobbling under pressure, Arsenal have shown an ability to respond, rotating effectively and maintaining performance levels across competitions.
That shift, according to Merson, is why they look capable of sustaining a title challenge deep into the season.
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Merson’s comments also shine a light on Manchester City and the man who has defined their era of success. Guardiola has overseen an unprecedented period of dominance, setting standards that have reshaped English football.
Yet Merson argues that the strain of maintaining those standards may finally be catching up.
“Man City are not the Man City of old. They’re not the Man City we’ve seen that demolish teams. I used to do Soccer Saturday and watch teams come and get their stomachs tickled, and if they come away two or three nil there, they’re more than pleased.
“It’s not like that anymore. And I think it’s taken its toll on him. I think it’s a lot harder now. I think there’s a lot more. Before he used to coach the team, and then they go out, and they play.
“I think there’s a lot more to it now. It’s draining. And when you’re the manager, he is, I’m only talking from afar, but his head reminds me of a washing machine. It’s always spinning.
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“He’s always thinking of something. I don’t think he ever relaxes, and that takes its toll. And I think if they don’t win it this season, I think he’ll know that that’ll probably be an Arsenal to dominate for a while, and I think he’ll get out while he’s still ahead.”
It is a striking image, and one that captures the intensity of life at the top. Guardiola’s City are still formidable, still capable of breathtaking football, but the sense of inevitability has softened.
Opponents no longer arrive beaten before kick-off, and margins that once felt wide now appear slimmer.
Reports surrounding Guardiola’s future have added another layer of intrigue, with suggestions that potential successors are already being considered.
While City have not publicly indicated any imminent change, Merson believes an Arsenal title could act as a natural moment for Guardiola to step away, having already secured his place in the club’s history.