Former England midfielder Paul Merson has voiced a stark warning about the current Premier League leaders, Manchester City, suggesting that if they persist with their present style of play they have "no way" of clinching the championship this season. Merson’s comments came after City continued their impressive start under manager Enzo Maresca, recording a 5-3 victory over Sunderland that marked their fifth consecutive win. With that result, Maresca’s side sit three points clear of defending champions Arsenal as the league pauses for a three‑week international break.
In a candid interview, Merson explained why he believes Arsenal remain the team most likely to retain the league crown. He recalled watching the Sunderland match and thinking that a dominant City performance could spark a massive momentum shift in their favour.
However, once the final whistle blew, his optimism evaporated. "I was thinking they’d win the league comfortably and not lose many games. Have I got this wrong?
Then I saw City against Sunderland and thought, ‘no.’ There’s no way Manchester City win the league," he said. Merson argued that scoring a plethora of goals is not enough to guarantee success; a team must also exhibit defensive solidity and tactical discipline. He pointed out that Sunderland, while not the most prolific attacking side in the country, managed to net three goals against City and could have added more.
"Going forward, City were good but at the back they were all over the place. It just catches up with you, especially against the big boys," Merson warned. He also reflected on Enzo Maresca’s managerial pedigree, recalling the former Chelsea player’s reputation for preferring order over chaos.
"I remember what Enzo Maresca was like at Chelsea and he won’t like that result. He doesn’t like chaos. He’s not a chaos manager," Merson observed, implying that the current defensive frailties clash with Maresca’s philosophy.
Merson acknowledged City’s recent triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford, achieved while playing with ten men, but dismissed it as an anomaly. "That’s not hard, is it? City were all over the place 11 versus 11, and United were by far the better team.
When it went to 10 vs 11, you get to sit back a little, there’s not that much pressure on you," he explained. He added that the tactical shift of playing two banks of four and allowing Erling Haaland to operate in isolation makes it difficult for opponents to break down the side, but this does not address the underlying defensive issues. Turning his attention to Arsenal, Merson expressed curiosity about manager Mikel Arteta’s decision‑making, particularly the choice to start Bruno Guimarães instead of Myles Lewis‑Skelley in the recent Brighton fixture. He questioned whether Arteta anticipated a smoother game or expected Brighton to be fatigued after their comeback win against Manchester United.
"I don’t know if he thought it would be a nice football match, that Brighton would be tired after coming from 2‑0 down against Manchester United on Wednesday?" Merson mused. Merson praised Guimarães as a talented player, especially in a low‑block system where his passing range and intelligence shine.
"When you’re going to dominate the ball, there’s no‑one like him when you have time. He’s a good player and passer – and he’s very intelligent," he said.
However, he wondered if Arteta regretted the substitution during a challenging game, noting that Guimarães had performed admirably as a substitute against Aston Villa, displaying composure, one‑twos, and an ability to dictate tempo. He clarified that he does not blame Guimarães for Arsenal’s defeat, but he remains puzzled by the tactical switch in a high‑stakes encounter.
"I just didn’t know why Arteta had to change the team in a very difficult game," Merson admitted. Merson concluded with a broader reflection on football’s unpredictable nature. He argued that even the most decorated internationals can be neutralised if opponents apply pressure and force them to retreat. "When you get all the time in the world, you could still play.
But when you do what Brighton have done, they were absolutely brilliant. Credit where credit is due, they’re a very good team," he said, emphasizing that tactical execution often outweighs individual brilliance.
In summary, Paul Merson’s analysis underscores his belief that Manchester City’s defensive vulnerabilities could undermine their title ambitions, while Arsenal’s tactical adaptability under Arteta keeps them firmly in the race. His insights suggest that the Premier League remains a tightly contested competition where consistency, balance, and strategic acumen will determine the ultimate champion.