Paul Merson shares Aston Villa v Arsenal verdict
Paul Merson shares Aston Villa v Arsenal verdict
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Paul Merson gatecrashes Sky Sports studio with Aston Villa and Arsenal claim

Mark Smith
Mark Smith

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor responsible for daily news flow, sub-hub management, and maintaining editorial standards across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, and verified reporting. THE BRIEF Former Leeds United correspondent Mark has risen through the ranks at Breaking Media Limited to manage the network’s daily output. He works between the reporters and the experts to ensure the data and the news are applied correctly to every story.

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Paul Merson gatecrashed the Sky Sports Soccer Saturday studio ahead of the Aston Villa showdown against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Unai Emery returns to his former club on 18 January, where he picked up a huge three points to derail their title bid last season.

Merson believes that pressure will be off Arsenal if Brentford can pick up a positive result against Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (18 January, 15:24), the former Gunners star shared his verdict ahead of kick-off in North London.

"If Brentford get a result, I think the pressure is off Arsenal," he said.

"But if they go seven points clear, there's no slip-ups. Villa are a decent team, decent team but hopefully..."

Paul Merson gatecrashes Sky Sports studio for Aston Villa

Aston Villa will be looking to keep their better form going in the Premier League.

Emery was delighted as his side left Goodison Park with a solid 1-0 victory over Everton in midweek (15 January), with Ollie Watkins scoring again.

Watkins was the difference at the Emirates last season, and he will be raring to go again with the return of Jhon Duran, who has escaped further FA punishment this week.

Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins [Credit: Imago]

Arsenal haven't been amazing recently, but did beat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby last time out, with confidence likely high after.

With Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest flying high in the Premier League, the competition for European football is bigger than ever.

Villa will know they need to win as many games as possible, starting at Arsenal tonight.

In other Aston Villa news, a target has been spotted at Villa Park after the latest January transfer development.

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Paul Merson
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