Paul Merson believes Arsenal will still finish the season as Premier League champions despite their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. However, in his view, that is likely to be the only trophy Mikel Arteta’s team will lift this season.
The loss at Wembley ended Arsenal’s hopes of winning four competitions, although they remain alive in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Even so, Merson came away from the final unconvinced that the team can go all the way on multiple fronts.
Merson felt City overwhelmed Arsenal after the break
According to the former Arsenal midfielder, the second half exposed major problems in Arteta’s side. He said City took complete control after the interval and made Arsenal look second best for a long stretch of the game.
What concerned him most was not just the defeat itself, but the way it happened. In his view, Arsenal struggled badly under pressure, kept giving the ball away and looked unable to cope once City raised the level.
He still trusts Arsenal in the title race
Despite that poor display, Merson still believes Arsenal are strong enough to finish the job in the league. He thinks they have enough quality to handle the remaining opponents in the run in and hold off the chasing pack.
That is why he still sees the Premier League as the most realistic success for Arteta’s side. In his eyes, Arsenal remain too consistent domestically to let that opportunity slip, even after such a painful cup final setback.
FA Cup and Champions League look less likely to him
Merson was much less confident about Arsenal’s chances in the other competitions. He suggested that after watching the final, it would be hard to imagine Arsenal beating City if they met again at Wembley in the FA Cup.
He also questioned how Arsenal would cope in Europe, especially if they face Barcelona later in the Champions League. His concern is that Arsenal’s attack may lack the speed and threat needed to trouble a team that leaves space behind its defensive line.
He says the bigger issue was not just Kepa’s mistake
Although Kepa’s error became the main talking point after the final, Merson argued that too much focus on the goalkeeper hides wider problems in Arsenal’s display. He felt most of the outfield players did not show enough personality when the game turned against them.
In his opinion, only William Saliba and Gabriel could really come away from the match with credit. The rest of the side, he suggested, failed to demand the ball or take responsibility when Arsenal needed composure most.
Arsenal still have time to rescue the season
Even with that criticism, Merson pointed out that Arsenal are still competing in three major tournaments. Losing the Carabao Cup is disappointing, but it does not destroy the season if the team can respond well.
For him, the key now is clear. Arsenal have to refocus quickly and make sure the final defeat does not damage their momentum in the Premier League, because that remains the trophy he still expects them to win.
