Arsenal Legend: I Expect Us to Lose to Manchester City, the Team is Hard to Watch

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes logic dictates a Manchester City victory in their upcoming clash with the Gunners. He predicts Pep Guardiola's side will secure a narrow win.

“It's just incredible how everything has turned upside down. Honestly, I can't wrap my head around it! You watch and you think, 'Wow,'” Merson shared.

“Looking back, a Manchester City win seems like the only logical outcome. I watched the first 15 minutes of Arsenal's Champions League match against Sporting and immediately told my son: it will be 0-0. I just couldn't see how they could score!”

“Defensively, Arsenal is very reliable. If they don't lose this match, they will win the league. But for City, a draw is not an option. They absolutely need a win,” Merson continued.

“I can't imagine how Arsenal will manage to win all their remaining matches if they lose to City on Sunday. At the moment, Arsenal is very difficult to watch. But the players need to see the bright side. If they beat City, the league is practically over – they are champions. That's exactly how they should approach this game,” commented the former England international.

Merson warned the Gunners against adopting a defensive approach at the Etihad.

“If Arsenal arrives at the Etihad, sits deep, and plays for a draw – they'll just get torn apart. If they go forward and lose, at least that will give them confidence. But imagine if they line up in front of their goal and lose 0-1? I don't think that will instill any confidence in them whatsoever.

“Only Mikel Arteta can say whether he demands his players play this way, or if they themselves, under pressure, start to retreat into their shells. Apart from Declan Rice, I don't see anyone else truly making an impact on the pitch. There's no pace, no drive, no desire to get into the box. They look nervous, and this is a very bad time for such nervousness,” Merson stated.

“I don't know what kind of Arsenal will show up for this match. They need to impose their game. I'm trying with all my might to find arguments in favor of Arsenal, but it's incredibly difficult. My heart says 'draw,' but my head says 'Manchester City win,'” concluded the Arsenal legend.