"This is heads or tails" - Paul Merson delivers verdict on Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City

Former player Paul Merson has shown confidence in Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League title after their 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday (September 15). The Gunners have had an excellent start to their 2024-25 campaign with back-to-back 2-0 victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

However, Mikel Arteta's side dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. The tie saw Declan Rice receive a controversial second yellow card as he was sent off shortly after the break. The England international received a one-game suspension as a result.

Apart from Rice, Arsenal were without Martin Odegaard, who recently picked up an ankle injury while on international duty for Norway. The Gunners still came away with all three points, thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes' match-winner in the 64th minute.

After the game, Merson shared his verdict on this season's title race. He said on Sky Sports:

"Everybody had been watching today, the whole of the Premier League. They're missing Odegaard, they're missing Rice. Two big, big players. For me, now, this is a heads or tails. This is a heads or tails issue."

Merson added:

"I always thought, 'Oh, who's going to beat Man City over 38 games?' I've seen enough today that Arsenal will be there. Arsenal have every chance of winning this Premier League."

The Gunners will next face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday (September 22).

Gary Neville advises Mikel Arteta not to change Arsenal star's position against Manchester City

Gary Neville has offered some advice to Mikel Arteta ahead of his side's crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City. The pundit believes Leandro Trossard should not be moved back to the left wing against the Cityzens.

The Gunners were short of midfield options against Tottenham due to Rice and Odegaard's absence. Arsenal summer signing Mikel Merino also picked up a shoulder injury in his first training session and has been sidelined since.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho lined up in midfield while Trossard was deployed as an attacking midfielder. Neville believes the only change Arteta will make is replacing Jorginho with Rice when the England international returns from his suspension.

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United defender said (via Metro):

"I think he [Rice] will come in just for Jorginho and then leave it as it is. I think Trossard did well in that role – the number 10 – so I don’t think he’ll change that. I think he’ll keep it simple. I don’t think Mikel Arteta is doing anything nowadays that is surprising us and I say that in a positive sense and a complimentary sense."