Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes the Gunners’ lack of consistency will be their downfall in their attempts to secure a top-four finish.

Unai Emery’s side are just a point behind Manchester United in the race for fourth, but the TV pundit doesn’t think Arsenal can last the pace:

“They are not consistent enough and there will be results along the way where they slip up, as they did in the Europa League at BATE Borisov, who are a run-of-the-mill team. They have those results in them and I would be shocked if they got in the top four.”

The Gunners face Southampton at the Emirates tomorrow. With United facing title-chasing Liverpool and Chelsea playing in the Carabao Cup final, they could well find themselves in the top-four by the end of the weekend.

The Saints are going through a difficult patch of form under Ralph Hasenhuttl. The home loss to Cardiff last time out was a significant setback in their battle against relegation.

They will certainly be no pushovers but the South Coast club have picked up just twelve points on the road this campaign. In stark contrast, Arsenal’s home record is the third best in the league, with just one defeat all season.