Merson noted that Man City “were somewhat too exposed in the Champions League and performed below expectations last year”.
By Kehinde Okeowo
British commentator Paul Merson has suggested that Liverpool, rather than Manchester City, will challenge Arsenal for the English Premier League (EPL) title race in the 2026/2027 season.
The 58-year-old former Gunners attacking midfielder made this known recently in his Sky Sports column (as reported by Metro).
Arsenal are the reigning EPL champions, having ended a 22-year title drought last campaign and finished seven points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The Spanish tactician, who took solace in lifting the FA and Carabao Cups after missing out on the league, later departed after a decade at the Etihad, with City appointing former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as his replacement.
Liverpool, on the other hand, having won the title in the 2024/2025 season, finished last season in a disappointing fourth position.
Discussing who will push Arsenal for the title this season, Merson stated that he believes Liverpool could be the closest competitors to Arteta’s side in the Premier League.
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He noted that the Citizens are unlikely to win the league, having failed to do so with “the best manager in the world” last season.
“I don’t think Man City will win the Premier League this year anyway. They didn’t win it last year with the best manager in the world,” he wrote in his piece.
He added, “They were only ever in the title race because Arsenal had a poor three weeks. I think Liverpool are Arsenal’s nearest challengers this season.”
Further discussing why City may not contend for the league title, Merson added, “In the crucial matches, particularly when they are playing away in the Champions League during the quarter-finals or the last 16, you require two holding midfield players.
“They were somewhat too exposed in the Champions League and performed below expectations last year. However, the ultimate goal is the 38 matches in the Premier League. And there aren’t sufficient matches in the Premier League for both to be on the field simultaneously.
“Unless they acquire Anderson and he undergoes a season of development under the best in the world, Rodri. But £116m is a substantial amount to invest in someone to be a backup. Rodri will want to play, and he won’t be content to sit on the bench as someone’s backup.”
Meanwhile, Man City bought Elliot Anderson in a reported deal worth £116 million, while Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning captain, Rodri, is rumoured to be set to join Real Madrid.
