Paul Merson had all praise for Arsenal after the team’s “statement” 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, and predicted Mikel Arteta’s side would win the league title “quite easily.”
After a goalless first half at the Emirates, Arsenal came alive thanks to a goal from Gabriel Magalhaes, who made his Premier League return after recovering from injury.
Within seven minutes of the restart, Martin Zubimendi easily tucked the ball past Emiliano Martinez to extend Arsenal’s lead. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard both scored to effectively decide the match.
The visitors’ 11-game winning streak came to an abrupt end with the loss, as Ollie Watkins’ stoppage-time goal proved to be little more than a consolation goal.
The outcome put the Gunners five points ahead at the top, and on New Year’s Day, second-place Manchester City will visit Sunderland.
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“It was an outstanding 30 minutes from Arsenal in the second half,’ former Arsenal, Villa and England midfielder Merson said on Sky Sports.
“They suffocated Aston Villa and made them look pretty average in the end.
“It’s a massive result for Arsenal.
“There have been a couple of results where they have just fallen over the line against Wolves and Brighton.
“They were tight games but up against the most in-form team in country, if not Europe, and Arsenal have dismantled them.”
Merson Confident Arsenal Will Win The EPL ‘Easily’
Looking ahead to Arsenal’s all-important run-in, Merson said he was struggling to see a way the club could be stopped in their quest for the title.
“They have a five-point lead, and they have three extra goals because goal difference will be important with it being so tight,” he added.
“Looking at Arsenal, with the away fixtures they have already played and this result against Villa, I don’t know who will stop them.
“They play all the big teams apart from Man City at home and playing like that, it’s hard to see them being stopped.
“I think they win the Premier League quite easily.”
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