Paul Merson believes Arsenal’s signing of Raheem Sterling could prove the difference in this season’s Premier League title race.
The Gunners have finished second to Manchester City in each of the last two campaigns and even went as far as the final day in 2023/24 before missing out.
City outscored Arsenal by six goals in 2022/23 and five goals last campaign, with Mikel Arteta’s men just missing a special ingredient to win their first title since Arsene Wenger’s invincibles of 2003/04 .
Merson backs ‘amazing’ Sterling to give Arsenal the lead
Arsenal completed a shock loan move for Chelsea outlaw Sterling on transfer deadline day.
Although sent off at Stamford Bridge, the England international brings an incredible pedigree to the Gunners, with 123 goals and 62 assists in 379 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea combined.
That’s not to mention his exploits in Europe or 82 games with England.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s controversial 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday, Merson predicted Sterling could give Arteta’s side the edge they have lacked in previous years when chasing Man City.
“I think he’s an amazing signing for Arsenal, an amazing signing,” Merson said (via TBR).
“You have to remember that Arsenal have finished five points and two points behind Man City in recent seasons and haven’t been able to get over the line.
“Now they got someone who is a proven winner, been there before, done that, even that experience just to take the burden off Saka, Trossard and Martinelli. Phenomenal signing, phenomenal.”
