Former England midfielder Paul Merson has warned that Manchester City, despite their current position at the top of the Premier League, are unlikely to clinch the championship if they continue with the style of play they have displayed this season. Merson voiced his concerns after City’s 5-3 victory over Sunderland, a result that marked their fifth consecutive win under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca. While the win kept City ahead of last season's champions Arsenal by three points, Merson believes the momentum shift could be short‑lived.
Merson recounted his thoughts during the Sunderland match, saying he initially imagined that a dominant performance from City could spark a significant swing in confidence and form. "I was watching the game and thought, ‘If Manchester City put on a show and beat Sunderland convincingly, that could be a huge momentum boost,’" he explained.
He contrasted this with Arsenal’s recent 3-0 defeat to Brighton, noting that the Gunners appeared vulnerable and that, in his view, they seemed poised to win the league with relative ease. However, the high‑scoring affair against Sunderland altered his perspective dramatically.
"When I saw City’s defensive frailties, I thought, ‘No – there’s no way Manchester City win the league,’" Merson said. He argued that scoring many goals is not enough if a team cannot maintain defensive solidity. "You can’t rely solely on firepower.
Top‑class sides will exploit any lapses at the back," he warned. Even though Sunderland are not renowned for prolific attacking output, they managed to net three goals against City and could have added more.
Merson highlighted that City’s defensive organization was “all over the place,” a flaw that could catch up with them, especially when facing the league’s elite clubs. He pointed out that a solid defensive foundation is essential for sustained success over a 38‑game campaign. Merson also reflected on Enzo Maresca’s managerial style, recalling his time at Chelsea.
"Maresca is not a chaos‑loving manager. He prefers structure and discipline. The chaotic display against Sunderland would not sit well with him," Merson observed. He suggested that while City’s attacking talent, including the ever‑dangerous Erling Haaland, can break down most defenses, a lack of defensive cohesion could prove costly.
The former midfielder also referenced City’s recent victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, a match in which City played with ten men for a period. "That win was impressive, but it came under unusual circumstances.
When you’re down to ten players, the pressure eases a bit, and City were able to exploit United’s disarray," Merson noted. He argued that a full‑strength, eleven‑against‑eleven contest would have been far more challenging for City, especially given United’s overall quality. Turning his attention to Arsenal, Merson questioned manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical choices, particularly the decision to start Bruno Guimarães instead of Myles Lewis‑Skelley in the match against Brighton. He wondered whether Arteta anticipated a more defensive battle or expected Brighton to be fatigued after their comeback win over Manchester United.
"I’m not sure what Arteta was thinking – perhaps he wanted a more controlled midfield, but the result suggests the plan didn’t work," Merson speculated. Merson praised Guimarães as a talented player, noting his ability to retain possession, execute quick one‑twos, and dictate tempo when given space.
"He’s an intelligent passer and can dominate the ball when the team is in control," Merson said. However, he expressed confusion over why Arteta altered his line‑up in a tightly contested game, suggesting that the change may have disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. He emphasized that individual brilliance cannot compensate for systemic issues.
"Even the best international players can be neutralised if the team is out‑of‑shape or if the opposition presses them effectively," Merson argued. He lauded Brighton’s performance, calling them "absolutely brilliant" and deserving of credit for their tactical discipline and execution. In summary, Merson’s analysis paints a picture of a Premier League where raw attacking talent alone will not guarantee the title.
He believes Manchester City must tighten their defensive structure and avoid reliance on chaotic, high‑scoring games if they hope to outlast Arsenal and other challengers over the long haul. Likewise, he urges Arsenal’s manager to consider the impact of midfield selections and maintain a balanced approach to both attack and defence.
As the season progresses and the international break looms, both clubs will need to address these tactical nuances if they are to fulfil their ambitions of lifting the Premier League trophy.