Merson Backs Arsenal to Seal Title if They Beat Fulham, but Carragher Sees a Trap

Paul Merson believes Arsenal will finally end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title if they beat Fulham, but Jamie Carragher thinks the match could be a dangerous “banana skin” in a congested run-in. Arsenal go into the game three points clear at the top after edging Newcastle, although the performance did little to calm nerves.

Merson argued that Arsenal’s title hopes will be decided by the Fulham match, not by lingering worries about pressure. He said the team looked tense against Newcastle and warned they cannot afford to keep surviving in that manner if they want to finish first.

Carragher, though, pointed to the schedule as a major concern. Arsenal are trying to juggle a Champions League semi-final with the league title race, and he believes the sheer number of games in a short space of time could leave them physically drained.

That fatigue issue, he said, is more worrying than nerves. Arsenal have been one of the best pressing teams in Europe, but Carragher felt they looked leggy against Newcastle, especially when opponents were able to pass through midfield too easily.

The contrast with Manchester City’s lighter schedule could matter. Arsenal are set to play four matches in 11 days across two competitions, while City have only two games in the same period. That extra workload may prove decisive if the title race goes down to the final weeks.

There is still confidence around Arsenal, but the margin for error is shrinking. Merson’s view is that beating Fulham would effectively settle the race, while Carragher sees a tricky opponent at exactly the wrong time.

Either way, the Fulham game now feels like a major turning point. Arsenal can strengthen their grip on the title, but if they slip up, the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side will rise sharply.