Paul Merson rips apart Arsenal game plan and finds it 'extremely hard' to back old club

Paul Merson rips apart Arsenal game plan and finds it 'extremely hard' to back old clubPaul Merson has delivered a scathing verdict on Arsenal and their attack as they look to hold off Manchester City in the title race with their grip loosening on top spotCommentsSportSamuel Meade Sports Brand Writer19:25, 16 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesPaul Merson is finding it hard to be confident about Arsenal's chances(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)Paul Merson admits he wants to make a case for Arsenal beating Manchester City on Sunday but concedes he is "finding it extremely hard" to do as he launched a blistering attack on their approach.‌The Gunners head to the Etihad on Sunday for a game that may well decide the destination of the Premier League title. Victory for the hosts could see them assume top spot within days as Arsenal's late season collapse threatens to leave them trophyless yet again.‌They drew with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night, ending a run of three losses in four, but their performance was far from convincing against the Portuguese side. Merson admits he thought within 15 minutes that the game would end goalless, such were Arsenal's struggles in attack.‌A lack of pace has been cited as an issue and, despite making the last four of the Champions League, their performance did little to convince. Merson wants to back his former side, but recent results and displays are giving him little hope.He told Sportskeeda: "Apart from Declan Rice, I don’t see anyone else being expressive on the pitch. There is no pace in that team, no urgency, no desire to get inside the box. They look nervous and what a bad time to be that way.READ MORE: Arsenal sweat on four injured stars for Man City clash as Bukayo Saka update emergesREAD MORE: Ethan Nwaneri failing to make Marseille inroads despite unique Arsenal transfer clause"I don’t know what Arsenal turn up for this game. They need to take the game to City here. I’m desperately...