Merson: Arsenal is in title race; Neville: Man City will win title

defeated

3-2 on Sunday to return at top of the Premier League with one point above Manchester City.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson after the game praised Arsenal’s performance and said they can fight with Guardiola’s side for the title after back-to-back wins against Tottenham and Liverpool at the Emirates.

"I thought they were outstanding,"

Merson said.

"I thought they started really well, got out of the blocks quickly and scored early doors. I thought Arsenal's management of the game [after they scored the third] was phenomenal. Once they were 3-2 up there was never really a threat from Liverpool.

"And you are talking about a very young, inexperienced team at the end there. I was so impressed. they are top of the league, another game gone, they just need to keep on doing what they are doing. I have never seen this place like this [or at least] not for a long, long, time. It's absolutely buzzing.

"As long as they stay on the coat tails of Manchester City, you never know. We've seen Leicester win the Premier League [in the past].”

"This is a good young team, they just need to stay fit," continued Merson. "I honestly thought this was going to be a harder game than the Tottenham game and they have come through it. It's another tick in the box.

"They've come back from the loss to Manchester United and they have bounced back with back-to-back wins. Who knows what could happen?

"Every one of the players is playing with a lot of confidence. Every one of the players is playing to the best of their ability.

"They've started really well and there is a long way to go, they have played three big teams, lost to United but have gone and beaten Tottenham and Liverpool so I could not speak highly enough of this team, and it's a young team as well.”

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also said Arsenal deservedly beat Liverpool and hailed their progress but insist they have no chance of winning the Premier League this season.

"I don't think they will win the league. Man City will win this league by a street by the end. Arsenal are having to go at full pelt to stay with them.

"There are good signs but the tough part of the season is still to come. There is a long way to go and this is definitely not the time to get carried away if you are an Arsenal fan.

"But there is definitely a spirit building and these fans can see a team and manager which is going places."

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