Merson believes EPL title race is over for Gunners after shock home defeat
Paul Merson believes Arsenal's Premier League title chances are "100 per cent" over with Mikel Arteta admitting his side face a "big test" following Sunday's 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.
Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004 were dealt a huge blow by former boss Unai Emery, whose Villa team scored two goals late on to claim an impressive victory at the Emirates.
The Gunners would have returned to the top of the Premier League with a win and were even handed a boost before kick-off when Liverpool slumped to defeat against Crystal Palace.
But Arsenal's shock loss to Champions League-chasing Villa has once again handed the initiative to Manchester City, who are now two points clear at the summit after thrashing Luton on Saturday.
While there are still six games to play, Merson thinks his former side are now out of the race.
"For me, it's gone - 100 per cent," he told Sky Sports.
"It's completely turned on its head now. Man City put pressure on them by playing first and they couldn't handle it. But take nothing away from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa they were absolutely outstanding."
Arteta made three changes to his side following Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard replaced Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho and Gabriel Martinelli as Kai Havertz moved into midfield. It was a decision that left Merson slightly perplexed.
"I said before the game I didn't like Arteta's decision with the team he picked.
"Keep on playing the same team that wins every week, don't have the wool pulled over your eyes for a 25-minute cameo against Bayern Munich. Jesus comes on and does well and he moves Havertz.
"Th
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
