Arsenal legend fires a warning to Arteta’s team ahead of Manchester City clash

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has fired a warning to his former club ahead of their crucial match against Manchester City this Wednesday. The outspoken Sky Sports pundit said: “It’s all about timing. At the start of the season you probably think, “Brentford at home, not the worst” but they’re bang in form and played like a good football team, a clever football team.”

Merson was critical of the Gunners’ approach against Brentford, considering that they didn’t need to go all out for a win. He claimed that Arsenal scoring first should have been enough to help them get all the three points by defending their that they were too open at the back when defending. “When they go 1-0 up you’d expect them to hold on and they didn’t,” he said.

The former Arsenal star was anxious about his former side’s chances of victory if Manchester City grow their current lead at the top with a win over Aston Villa today. “It’s a massive football match on Wednesday. I think it’s make or break,’ he added. ‘If Man City go and win the game, I don’t see Arsenal coming back from that.” Merson went on to say “After today’s performance, I don’t see them beating Man City on Wednesday. I’d be quite shocked.”

Wednesday night will be pivotal for both sides in terms of their success this season as well as where each team is likely to finish in May. And while Arteta will prepare his side accordingly, Merson’s concerns appear valid based on Arsenal’s recent performances and City’s strong desire to reclaim top spot in England’s top flight this season.