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da bwin： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Paul Merson reckons Arsenal will thrash Tottenham Hotspur when the two sides meet in the north London derby this weekend, per Sky Sports’ The Debate.
What’s he said?
Arsenal have won two of their first three games of the season, beating Newcastle United 1-0 and Norwich City 2-1, though Liverpool beat Unai Emery’s men 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday.
Spurs, by comparison, beat Aston Villa 3-1 on the opening weekend and then drew 2-2 with Manchester City, though they were beaten 1-0 by a resolute Newcastle on Sunday.
With the two sides set to meet at The Emirates this weekend, Merson believes that the Gunners have everything needed to put Mauricio Pochettino’s men to the sword.
He said: “I don’t see Tottenham beating Arsenal on Sunday, I really don’t. I’ve watched Tottenham in all three games, they were fortunate to break down Villa in the end. In the end, they won 3-1 because of three good finishes.
“They got well, well, turned over at Man City. Even though they got a draw, they got well turned over. There are ways of getting draws, they got ripped. (City had) 30 shots.
“Then they played Newcastle and never really looked like scoring a goal.”
He added, when asked for a prediction: “I think Arsenal will win quite comfortably. 4-1. I think they’ll rip them to shreds.
“I think Tottenham are struggling at the moment. I think, if Arsenal get going, I do (think they’ll win).
“It covered over the cracks, the Man City game, they had 30 shots. Give Arsenal 30 shots at the weekend.”
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Bias
This is a take borne of bias instead of a reasoned analysis.
Tottenham haven’t been particularly impressive all season but, really, nor have the Gunners.
They only just found their way past both the Magpies and the Canaries, and were, by all accounts, “turned over” by Liverpool.
Per BBC Sport, the Reds had 25 shots against the Gunners, just five fewer than the tally Merson claims City racked up at The Etihad.
Now, of course, Merson is allowed to air his opinion as, after all, that’s what he’s paid to do.
But he should perhaps put a little more thought into his analysis, instead of spouting nonsense that is more in keeping with what is said on Arsenal Fan TV.
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