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Arsenal must GIVE UP on Premier League with defeat to Chelsea - Paul Merson
ARSENAL will have to shift their attention to the Europa League if they lose to Chelsea on Saturday evening because “they’ll be out of the top four race”.
Thats the damning verdict of former Gunners man Paul Merson.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been under immense pressure over the past few weeks to start producing the performances he did during his side’s unbeaten run.
Emery also noted how it would be hard for the club to make permanent signings in the January transfer window.
It’s now becoming evident that a lot of the problems Arsene Wenger faced when he was in charge are being transferred to Emery.
And Merson believes that Chelsea win at the Emirates at the weekend would end Arsenal’s top four challenge.
“Arsenal have to win this game otherwise it's all in for the Europa League,” he told Sky Sports.
“That may actually help as they can then concentrate on that competition as they'll be out of the top-four race.”
Merson then noted how it was hard for his former side to juggle the complexities of both competitions.
He then made his prediction.
“There's no way they can balance both - the squad isn't strong or big enough,” he said.
“I fancy an away win.”
Arsenal are already six points off the top four and are under pressure of being caught by Manchester United.
United are level on points with the Gunners and a win over Brighton on Saturday would see them leapfrog Emery’s men before they play.
The first game this season between Arsenal and Chelsea produced five goals and was won by a late Marcos Alonso goal.
Since then, both teams went on long unbeaten runs but have seen their form falter dramatically in the last few weeks.