Arsenal icon Paul Merson has issued a devastatingly honest assessment of the mounting pressure on his former club, warning that anything less than Premier League glory will see them 'absolutely obliterated' by critics and pundits alike.
The stark warning comes fresh off the back of Arsenal's emphatic 5-0 demolition of London rivals Chelsea, a statement victory that Merson believes has heaped even more expectation onto Mikel Arteta's shoulders.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
Speaking on his podcast, the former Gunner didn't mince his words. "They have to win the league now," Merson declared. The pundit argued that after such a dominant performance and with the experience of last season's heartbreak, failure is simply not an option.
"If they don't win it, they'll get absolutely obliterated. Absolutely obliterated. Because you can't get that close, then sign a goalkeeper and Declan Rice, and then not win it."
Chelsea Demolition: A Blueprint for Success
Merson heaped praise on the team's ruthless performance against a struggling Chelsea side. He highlighted the outstanding contributions of former Chelsea man Kai Havertz, who netted a brace, and Ben White, who also scored two in a man-of-the-match display.
"They were brilliant, absolutely brilliant," Merson said. "They could have scored more. They played well, they passed it well, they were physical, they were strong."
The Psychological Hurdle
Despite the dazzling performance, Merson pointed to a deeper psychological challenge for Arsenal: overcoming the scars of last season's late collapse in the title race against Manchester City.
The victory, while impressive, was against a Chelsea team Merson described as "one of the most poorly organised" he's seen, suggesting the real test of their title mettle is yet to come.
Merson's verdict is clear: The win was essential, but the ultimate judgement on this Arsenal squad will be delivered solely by whether they can finally lift the Premier League trophy.
