Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson is predicting a stalemate when his former club face Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

With the Gunners having dropped points in three consecutive matches, many pundits have already written off the club’s chances of getting a result against the Citizens but Merson is slightly more optimistic:

“If this game ends in a draw, Manchester City will have to win both their games in hand to take the lead. It’s a bit like when you’re 5-3 down in tennis, and you need to hold your serve and make sure you don’t break. Man City have been outstanding, but people do get nervous and the pressure can get to them.”

“Arsenal get too confident at times, and they should have steamrolled West Ham and Southampton. You can’t drop points like that when you’re playing for a league title. They do have the players to hurt Manchester City, however, and I think they can get a result here.”

Merson has gone with a 1-1 draw, which is a pretty surprising prediction, considering how both teams have been playing in recent weeks.

Arsenal have struggled to keep clean sheets and, after conceding three at home to Southampton only a few days ago, it would be quite some going if they only let one in against City.

Following recent performances, though, manager Mikel Arteta would probably take a point and hope that Pep Guardiola’s side do slip up in one of their games in hand, as Merson expects. Wednesday’s fixture has been labelled a title decider so we shall see if that proves to be the case.
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