Arsenal have been struggling in the Premier League this season, and former defender Paul Merson believes they must make the most of their game in hand if they are to turn their fortunes around.
The Gunners are currently in 15th place in the table, having won just four of their opening 12 matches. They have a game in hand over most of their rivals, however, and Merson believes they must make it count if they are to climb the table.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “Arsenal have to make the game in hand count. They have to win it. They have to get three points from it. If they don’t, they’re going to be in real trouble.
“They’re already in a relegation battle and if they don’t win that game in hand, they’re going to be in real trouble. They’ve got to make it count.”
Merson also believes that Arsenal need to start playing with more intensity if they are to get out of their current predicament.
“They’ve got to start playing with more intensity,” he said. “They’ve got to start playing with more energy and more desire. They’ve got to start playing with more passion.
“They’ve got to start playing like they want to win the game. They’ve got to start playing like they want to stay in the Premier League.”
Arsenal have a tough run of fixtures coming up, with matches against Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all on the horizon. If they are to turn their season around, they must make the most of their game in hand and start playing with more intensity.