Arsenal Legend Paul Merson Declares Premier League Title Race Finished as Manchester City Faces West Ham Trap

Paul Merson claims the Premier League title race is "done" as he backs Arsenal to beat Everton and Man City to drop points at West Ham.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 10:31 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Final Straight of a Two-Horse Race

As the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, the gap at the top of the table has become the primary narrative in English football. Arsenal currently holds a seven-point lead over Manchester City, though the defending champions possess a game in hand that could potentially close the distance. Despite this mathematical possibility, Paul Merson has signaled that the momentum has shifted entirely toward north London. According to the former England international, the psychological burden of chasing a relentless leader has begun to impact the consistency of the chasing pack, turning every remaining fixture into a potential season-ending hurdle for the pursuers.

Navigating the Psychological Hurdles of Success

Arsenal’s recent form has been characterized by grit rather than the expansive, free-flowing football that defined their earlier campaign. Merson noted that while the Gunners have appeared nervous in recent outings, including a narrow victory over Brentford and a fortuitous continental draw against Bayer Leverkusen, they continue to find ways to secure essential points. The pundit suggested that at this stage of the title race, the quality of performance is secondary to the result. For Arsenal, the focus remains on maintaining their narrow margins, even when their tactical execution falls short of its usual high standards.

The Resilience of the Mersey Opponents

The upcoming fixture against Everton presents a unique challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side, as the visitors have developed a reputation for being difficult to break down on their travels. Merson highlighted that Everton often plays better away from home, showing a tenacity that has seen them secure results even when being statistically dominated. However, he also observed that the Merseysiders struggle to produce a complete ninety-minute performance, often fading in the second half. For Arsenal to capitalize, they must exploit these tactical lapses to ensure they do not allow a draw to jeopardize their standing at the summit.