Paul Merson has switched his Premier League title prediction from Arsenal to Liverpool after just three games of the new season. The former Arsenal player initially backed his old club to end their 22-year title drought but now believes the Reds will defend their crown.
Liverpool are the only team to maintain a perfect record from their opening three Premier League fixtures. They secured victories over AFC Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal to establish themselves as early pacesetters.
Transfer window catalyst
Merson's prediction change comes after Liverpool's summer transfer activity, particularly their deadline day signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. The striker joined for a British transfer record fee as Liverpool also recruited Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.
"Yeah, I would have thought so after yesterday as well," Merson told Sky Sports when asked if Liverpool were now title favourites. "After you got [Isak]. For me, they haven't even got out of second gear yet and they haven't played particularly well yet."
Arsenal's narrow defeat
The pundit was particularly struck by Arsenal's performance in their 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. Despite losing, Merson felt the Gunners showed quality that highlighted how competitive the title race could be.
"Watching [Sunday's] game, I watched and I'm like, I've never seen an Arsenal team so comfortable at Anfield - so comfortable and they still lost," he said. Arsenal currently sit third after beating Manchester United and Leeds United before their Liverpool setback.
Contrasting expert views
Gary Neville maintains his pre-season Arsenal title prediction despite their early defeat. The former Manchester United defender refuses to change his stance after one result, backing players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to deliver.
"I've tipped them for the title and I'm not going to change that after [the defeat to Liverpool]," Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast. "I'm not!" Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons as they chase their first title since 2004.
Sources used: "Metro", "Daily Star", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
