Paul Merson Warns Arsenal: Champions League Spot at Risk After Title Hopes Fade

 

Paul Merson is worried over Arsenal's Champions League spot

Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations have taken a significant hit, and now the club is facing a more immediate threat to its Champions League qualification, according to Gunners legend Paul Merson.

After being one of the closest challengers to Liverpool for much of the season, Arsenal has seen their form slip dramatically. A winless run over their past three league matches has left Mikel Arteta's side trailing 15 points behind the leaders, effectively ending their title hopes.

With the Premier League title seemingly out of reach, Merson is now focused on Arsenal's ability to secure a top-four finish, warning that the club’s place in next season’s Champions League is in jeopardy. The Gunners have already been overtaken by Manchester City, who are just eight points behind, while other clubs like Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are also hot on their heels. Brighton, in sixth, trails Arsenal by nine points.

Merson urged Arteta and his squad to concentrate on maintaining their position in the top four, telling Sky Sports: "Yes, the title race is over. Fifth are nearer to Arsenal than Arsenal are to first. They need to focus on getting into the top four, or they could slip out of the Champions League spots."

He continued, "Liverpool would need to lose half of their remaining games, and they've lost just one all season. It's not going to happen. Arsenal has no cutting edge."

If Arsenal fail to hold onto their Champions League position, their only other route into next year’s competition would be to win it this season. They are on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals after a strong first-leg win against PSV in the last-16.

However, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed doubt about Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League. He believes the lack of a proven forward is seriously hindering their progress.

Ferdinand commented, "Arsenal are probably the fifth-best team on that side of the Champions League draw. They’re behind Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and PSG. They’ve actually gone backwards this year. The recruitment needs to change."

He also questioned Arteta’s tactical choices, particularly with Kai Havertz playing out of position, adding, "They need an out-and-out No. 9. Havertz has done an okay job, but you can’t win the Premier League or Champions League without a proper striker."

Arsenal’s next steps are crucial as they aim to recover from their recent slump and secure their spot in both the Premier League top four and the Champions League quarter-finals.