Paul Merson doubts Liverpool chances at Arsenal clash

Liverpool head to the Emirates on Thursday night carrying both pedigree and pressure. The champions face league leaders Arsenal in a fixture that has quickly become a barometer for the title race, at least in the eyes of pundits. Among them is Paul Merson, who has offered a blunt assessment of Liverpool’s prospects, predicting a 3-1 home win for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The context is stark. Arsenal hold a commanding 14 point lead, while Liverpool have stumbled into 2026 with draws against Leeds and Fulham. Injuries further cloud the picture, with Hugo Ekitike a doubt and attacking options potentially stretched. It is no surprise that Liverpool are being framed as outsiders, a role they rarely occupy domestically.

Paul Merson prediction sets tone

Writing in his midweek Premier League predictions, Paul Merson made little attempt to hide his view.

He wrote: ‘If you’re Arsenal, it’s a brilliant time to be playing Liverpool. Should Arsenal win at the Emirates, Liverpool are completely out of the title race! Something is just not right at Liverpool and I can’t see them getting a result here.

‘It’s weird but I’d be more shocked if Liverpool won at Arsenal than Wolves or Leeds winning their games away from home this gameweek. Arsenal’s B team can cause 99% of the sides in this league a problem. That’s how good they are as a squad.’

It is a verdict that reflects growing scepticism around Liverpool’s rhythm and consistency, rather than their talent.

Scrutiny on Arne Slot decisions

Merson also turned his focus to Arne Slot, questioning a late decision during the 2-2 draw at Fulham.

He said: ‘I don’t understand why Arne Slot decided to take Cody Gakpo off after he scored against Fulham. If Gakpo was on the pitch, he picks up Harrison Reed before that incredible late goal. It was such a bad decision from the Liverpool manager.’

Such moments linger in tight title races. Fine margins shape narratives, and Slot is learning that every substitution is examined under a microscope.

Liverpool pedigree still matters

For all the noise, Liverpool’s season should not be reduced to recent frustration. They have already beaten Arsenal, Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Inter Milan this campaign, keeping clean sheets in each of those victories. The issue has been dropped points against bottom half opposition, not a lack of nerve on big occasions.

Even without Mo Salah, Alexander Isak and possibly Ekitike, Liverpool retain enough quality to trouble Arsenal. Being cast as underdogs may even suit them, freeing Slot’s side from the burden of dictating play against a low block.

The pressure rests firmly with Arsenal. Liverpool arrive as champions, proven when it matters most. Thursday night offers a chance to remind Paul Merson and the wider football public that dismissing Liverpool has rarely ended well.