'It's over' - Paul Merson concedes Premier League title to Liverpool after Arsenal draw at Man Utd
Arsenal extended their winless run to three matches as they needed a late Declan Rice equaliser to reduce their deficit to Liverpool to 15 points
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Liverpool have won the Premier League after the Gunners dropped more points. The 56-year-old believes that the North London club have bigger issues than the title race as the battle for Champions League football heats up.
Arne Slot's side came from behind to relegation-strugglers Southampton to extend their lead to 16 points before Sunday's showdown at Old Trafford between Manchester United and the Gunners.
Ruben Amorim's side took the lead through captain Bruno Fernandes and had chances to win the contest but Declan Rice's equaliser in the dying embers forced to the two clubs to share the spoils. As a result, Arsenal could only reduce the deficit to Liverpool to 15 points.
Merson didn't mince his words as he claimed Mikel Arteta's side now have to focus on solidifying their spot in the Champions League rather than chasing the runaway leaders.
"Fifth in the league are closer to Arsenal than they are to first," said Merson. "I mean, in my opinion, I'd be saying now, we need to concentrate on finishing top-four, they're too far away.
"Liverpool have got to virtually lose half their games, they've lost one all season, it's over, finished."
By the time Liverpool are next in league action, Arsenal will have had the opportunity to claw six points back in the title race. However, there was frustration at Old Trafford as Arteta stormed out of his post-match interview with Sky Sports while Rice failed to rule out that Arsenal will throw in the towel with 10 games remaining.
"Look, like the manager said, we've got to keep going, keep giving everything until the end of the season," said the midfielder.
"Liverpool have been amazing all year, credit to them but it's not over yet, we need to keep pushing.
"We're Arsenal, we've been hit hard by injuries, adapted as best as we can and we still believe in ourselves.
"We've got to keep playing the games, there's still a lot to play for this year. [We'll] keep pushing, same mindset and I'm sure we'll be alright."