Paul Mason says if Arsenal loses to Newcastle United on Sunday, he will be out of the Premier League title race.
Arsenal took a trip to St James Park this weekend after pulling 1-1 with Manchester City in the Premier League and beating Portvale 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Last Sunday’s draw against Pep Guardiola’s side was Arsenal’s second loss to Liverpool before last month’s international break.
It was a tricky start on paper for the Gunners, who won Manchester United in Matchday 1 before demolishing Leeds United at home. After an international break, they defeated Nottingham Forest. Nottingham Forest finished 7th last year, finishing 3-0.
Only a long-range Dominique Soboschlei free kick could separate Liverpool and Arsenal in Match Day 3, with Arne Slot’s side winning five out of five, leading the title defense to the best possible start, even if the performance wasn’t entirely convincing.
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The Champions face Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. This means they’ll have an 8-point advantage over Arsenal by the time they compete against Newcastle.
And if Arsenal loses at Newcastle, their title chances will be dead and buried, former gunner midfielder Mason said.
Mason boldly suggests that Sunday’s match was a “must-see” for Arsenal, and that the loss means “end for them” as the eight points return from “too many.”
“Arsenal is currently five points behind Liverpool, so I’m kidding as this weekend is a must-see game in Newcastle,” he told Sky Sports column.
“If Liverpool wins at Crystal Palace on Saturday, they are eight points behind by the time Arsenal plays on Sunday.
“People are constantly caught up in this and think, ‘Don’t worry, there are 32 games left, there are a lot of points to play.’ To say at the beginning of the season, there are 38 games, but Liverpool starts with an eight-point head start, which is fine as long as the most loyal Arsenal fan in the world.
“I’m tired of this ‘There are still 30 strange games’. You need to get points on the board early.
“This is a must-see soccer match at the highest level for Arsenal.”
Mason continued: “Liverpool is a big favorite of the title.
“But if Arsenal wins the league with four points (City and Newcastle) from the next two games, I said.
“I think they won that, but the pressure is really good and for now.
“I was hoping they would beat Man City and draw in Newcastle, but now they have to go up to Newcastle and beat them.
“Arsenal had one of the toughest starts in Premier League history, and it was a stinky start.
“If they’re just five points behind this weekend, they still have a chance and Liverpool in the Palace is not Gim. But in my opinion, there are just too many eight points.”
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