Arsenal enter the new campaign under the guidance of a new boss for the first time in over two decades, with Unai Emery taking the helm at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners face a tough start to the new season, hosting Manchester City on Sunday before tackling London rivals Chelsea the following week – and one pundit does not expect a good start for the Gunners.
Former Arsenal defender Paul Merson has backed Manchester City to inflict a 3-1 defeat upon Emery’s side this season, while identifying the Citizens as the favourites to defend their Premier League crown in 2018-19.
Making his weekly predictions for Sky Sports, he said:
“If you had asked me last Saturday I’d have fancied Arsenal, but City were outstanding last weekend against Chelsea. I feel with the new manager, there will be a plan this time from Arsenal, whereas last year they got absolutely rinsed.
“But I think City will have too much for them. With these Arsenal players on the training ground, you’ve got to make drills monotonous to really ram home the message, but I don’t think they’ve had the time yet.”
