Arsenal must win their “biggest game of the season” against Brentford on Saturday says Paul Merson, ahead of a huge top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City next week.
The Gunners slipped up against Sean Dyche’s Everton last weekend, losing 1-0 to fall to just their second Premier League defeat of the season.
Fortunately for Arsenal, title rivals Manchester City failed to capitalise and also lost as they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham the following day.
Merson, who played over 300 times for the north London side, says it’s vital that Mikel Arteta and co. return to winning ways immediately at the Emirates Stadium today against Brentford.
But the Bees are unbeaten in nine Premier League games and Thomas Frank’s well drilled outfit will provide a stern test.
🗣️| Mikel Arteta on the challenge that Brentford will pose at the Emirates this afternoon. #afc pic.twitter.com/aO5VYqI9XN
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) February 11, 2023
Merson, speaking in his exclusive skysports.com column, says Arsenal “didn’t deserve anything” from that game at Goodison Park but insists it is not time for his former side to panic.
“Arsenal are not going to win every game,” he said. “They were always going to lose games, but now, after the Everton defeat, it is how you respond.
“Now, Brentford at home on Saturday is the biggest game of the season. They have to win the game.
“If you start backing up defeats with draws or another loss, it soon mounts up and before you know it, the table looks completely different.
“So, you have to bounce back. Arsenal would have won the league on Saturday with a win at Goodison Park. With what happened with Man City at Tottenham on Sunday, it would have all been wrapped up in my opinion.
“They are the fine margins you are dealing with at this stage of the season. That’s why the Brentford game is so important on Saturday.
“Lose a second game on the trot and the danger is that it all starts to go pear-shaped. However, win it and there is no damage done at all before Man City travel to the Emirates.
“You don’t want to lose to Brentford and then have to go and beat Man City. It becomes a different game and a different pressure.
“A response and a win against Brentford will create confidence again. On the other hand, a second defeat creates doubt and then the last team you want to face next is City, no matter how they are playing.”
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