‘It has been smashed to pieces’ - Paul Merson slams Arsenal’s performance, advises them on title race

The Gunners' recent slump worsened on Saturday as they were stunned at the Emirates by an in-form Cherries side, who secured a 1-0 victory to extend their unbeaten streak to 12 matches. 

Arsenal have led the league for most of the season, but a dismal run has seen them lose three of their last four games. 

This poor form has also resulted in their elimination from both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, casting serious doubt on their league title aspirations.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson commented on the team's fragile confidence: "It will have been smashed to pieces. 

“Now all of a sudden, if Man City win all their games, they're level on points. Plus they have got two games to make the goal difference up."

"This is now, you've got to keep away from the press, the papers and social media because everybody will be saying 'here comes the melt'. 

“That is a terrible, terrible result today. Bad performance as well. No energy, no 'let's go and take the game to Bournemouth', it was sloppy."

City are set to face Chelsea on Sunday before a crucial showdown with Arsenal at the Etihad the following week—a stadium where Arteta has never secured a victory as Gunners manager. 

A subsequent match against relegation-threatened Burnley means three wins could see them move to the top of the table on goal difference. Merson, however, has tipped Chelsea to halt City's winning run at Stamford Bridge.