Paul Merson tells Arsenal stars to ‘kick on’ with extraordinary demand after Chelsea draw

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Arsenal were only able to manage a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners went into this clash at Stamford Bridge with their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread following a poor run of form. 

Mikel Arteta is convinced his Arsenal side outperformed Chelsea, but ultimately they were unable to come away from West London with three points in tow. 

Arsenal are still in the title race, but only just, as current league leaders Liverpool now have a nine point advantage over the North Londoners.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s top 10 biggest wins including results over Everton and Leeds United

Paul Merson sets target for Arsenal

The Gunners will now be afforded something of a rest, as the Premier League will pause for an international break.

Arteta must use this period as an opportunity to analyse what has gone wrong for his side so far this season. 

Arsenal fans targeted referee Michael Oliver during the Chelsea clash, but the Spanish coach must accept that his side’s performances have been lacking of late, particularly in the final third. It is his job to find a way of giving the Gunners their cutting edge back.

Meanwhile, the Arsenal players not representing their nations will also benefit from the chance to recharge their batteries.

What is clear at this stage is that the club now have no more margin for error when it comes to their Premier League form. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has made that abundantly clear. 

Speaking on Sky Sports (10/11/2024) after the stalemate at Stamford Bridge, he said: “Chelsea is not an easy place to come, it is not a great result for Arsenal, who now need to kick on and go bang and win seven in a row after the international break.”

Who are Arsenal playing next?

Arsenal have to hit the ground running when the Premier League resumes. 

They will face stern tests up against an in-form Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and a Manchester United side rejuvenated after Erik ten Hag’s sacking. 

On top of that, they will also have to contend with Sporting CP in the Champions League.

However, Arsenal were tipped to become Premier League champions this season for a reason. They need to remember how good they are and get their swagger back.

The Gunners are capable of putting together the kind of run that Merson is demanding, and it is do or die time in that regard.