Arsenal Legend Pinpoints Mistake Arteta Made That Could Cost Gunners EPL Title

Arsenal Legend Pinpoints Mistake Arteta Made That Could Cost Gunners EPL Title

Fred Kennedy
updated at May 11, 2023 at 11:33 AM
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  • Paul Merson has appeared to blame Mikel Arteta for Arsenal's stutter in the Premier League title race
  • The Gunners looked on course to win the domestic crown after an incredible run of form and results
  • However, that seems unlikely as reigning champions Man City have an edge over them in the title race

Arsenal icon, Paul Merson has pinpointed the major mistake that Mikel Arteta made in the Premier League title race.

For weeks, the Gunners had emerged as the firm favourites to lift the Premier League crown for the first time in close to two decades.

The north Londoners had been enjoying a stunning run of form under Arteta that had put them in pole position to secure the title.

Mikel Arteta reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James' Park. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane.
Mikel Arteta reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James' Park. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane.
Source: Getty Images

However, the Gunners hit a somewhat rough patch in April that saw them drop crucial points and lose their grip on the summit of the standings.

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According to Metro UK, Arsenal threw away two-goal leads to draw 2-2 with both Liverpool and West Ham, before needing two late goals to rescue a point against bottom-placed Southampton.

Arteta’s side were then thumped 4-1 by title rivals, Manchester City in a one-sided clash at the Etihad Stadium to drop to second on the Premier League log.

Merson lists Mikel Arteta's mistake

Merson, who played for Arsenal in the 1980s and 1990s, has now pinpointed the big mistake that Arteta made in the title race.

The former player contends the Gunners' manager erred by not starting Jorginho during the April wobble.

"I think Mikel Arteta will have learnt lessons from this last month," Merson told Sky Sports. "Looking back, Jorginho should have started against Southampton."

Jorginho sealed a shock transfer move to the Emirates Stadium during the January window after he dumped Chelsea.

Arsenal eyeing 3 EPL stars

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Arsenal boss, Arteta has identified three EPL he wants to sign to strengthen his squad further.

The Gunners are billed to be active in the summer transfer window, with the club keen to sign top players ahead of the next season preparation for next season.

The north-Londoners are set to compete in the Champions League next term after years in the cold, necessitating a deeper squad.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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