Paul Merson pinpoints Man City 'difference' to Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool

Paul Merson reckons Manchester City have a clear advantage on Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool when they go behind in matches. The ongoing battle for domestic honours took a fresh turn on Sunday afternoon when The Reds were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace at Anfield.

It came 24 hours after City swept aside Luton Town with Arsenal ready to play top-four contenders Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Victory in that showdown would put The Gunners one point ahead of City at the Premier League summit with six games to go this season.

Liverpool are a further two points off the pace after their shock defeat. Eberechi Eze scored the winner for Palace, offering a major boost to City and Arsenal.

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Speaking about the title race, Merson said: "With Arsenal since the turn of the year, they haven't gone behind in a game. The thing with Man City, if they go 1-0 down against Crystal Palace, there's no panic whatsoever."

The former Arsenal playmaker turned TV pundit, 56, continued: "When Arsenal were here against Brentford, it was panic stations. When Liverpool were facing Sheffield United, it was panic stations.

"You don't get that feeling with Man City and that's the difference for me. They have so much belief in their ability that they don't need to worry about anything."

City are gunning for their fourth straight English crown this season, Arsenal a first in 20 years and Liverpool to say goodbye to Jurgen Klopp in the best possible way before his departure. The ex-Borussia Dortmund manager is set to leave Anfield this summer after nine years on Merseyside.