Merson picks surprise Arsenal star as ‘worry’ in top four bid

Paul Merson has named Alexandre Lacazette as a “worry” in Arsenal’s bid to secure a Champions League qualification spot.

The Gunners currently occupy fourth spot and are one point above Manchester United in fifth, having played three games fewer than the Red Devils.

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Arteta’s side haven’t lost a Premier League game since their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on New Year’s Day, winning their last four.

The form of Lacazette has been key to Arsenal’s good form, and despite providing two brilliant assists in the 3-2 win over Watford last time out, Merson is concerned by the striker’s lack of goals.

He wrote in his Daily Star column: ‘My worry is they scored three goals the other day and Alexandre Lacazette doesn’t get one. He’s your centre forward.

‘That worries me. If Lacazette gets a couple I’d be going mad now saying they are dead certs for the top four.

‘But you can’t keep on relying on wingers. I know Liverpool do, but they’re in a different world their two wingers.

‘I’d be shocked if they caught Chelsea for third place. Let’s start to walk before we run. Concentrate on the top four.

‘If Tottenham showed a little bit more consistency they’d have a chance.’

Merson also claimed Arsenal’s recent displays have reminded him of ‘Wenger’s teams in their pomp’.

He added: ‘Watching Arsenal right now is like watching one of Arsene Wenger’s teams in their pomp.

‘When they won at Watford last weekend, some of the football was like watching Thierry Henry and Dennis Berkgamp and Robert Pires in their prime.

‘Honestly, all three goals in that game were mindblowing. They were absolutely outstanding.

‘The football was absolutely brilliant. They passed, they moved, they were clinical, and they’re playing with a smile on their faces. They’re enjoying it.

‘They all know what they’re doing. Every one of them knows what their job is.’