Paul Merson says Arsenal ‘must’ do one thing against Liverpool, or they will be out of the title race

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Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Liverpool is a huge one, with all the pressure on the home side to deliver.

Mikel Arteta’s team have no room for error after losing to Bournemouth last week, and they are already four points behind Liverpool, who are top of the Premier League.

Arsenal are facing a crisis for the Liverpool game, with William Saliba suspended and several players doubtful with injury problems.

The Liverpool game could not have come at a worse time for Arsenal, and former striker Paul Merson has now issued a huge warning to Arteta ahead of the match.

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Paul Merson says Arsenal cannot lose to Liverpool

Merson has now told Sportskeeda that if Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they will be out of the title race, as the gap will be too difficult to recover.

“They [Liverpool] couldn’t have asked for a better time than now to play Arsenal. If Arsenal lose this game, they are out of the title race!” Merson stated.

“People can go like, ‘Oh, there are 29 games left’ and all that. But if they lose, it’s a six-point gap with Manchester City.

“How can you expect City to lose ground on that advantage and expect Arsenal to win all their remaining games at the same time?

“With Liverpool also in the title race, you’re chasing two teams now and neither of them look like losing at the moment.”

Arsenal must avoid mistake from last season or risk ending title challenge

Arsenal fell just two points short of the title last season, and looking back on the campaign, they will rue one week in December.

The Gunners fell to back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Fulham. Whilst they recovered well, this ultimately cost them the title, and Merson has claimed that a loss to Liverpool could have a similar effect.

“Arsenal suffered back-to-back games against Fulham and West Ham last season and they ended up losing the title. That really cost them and Mikel Arteta will know his team must avoid another loss here,” Merson added.

There is extra pressure on Arsenal to beat Liverpool, but they have won their last two home games against the visitors, and this should give them confidence despite their injuries.