Paul Merson not only reckons that Arsenal will beat Manchester City on Monday night, he thinks we’ll go on to win the Premier League comfortably.

The praise feels a little odd considering Mers’ doesn’t appear to particularly enjoy complimenting his former team and this time he only believes we’ll win because the other teams have been so poor.

Speaking recently, he said, “I’m going for Arsenal to [beat Manchester City], and go on to win the title comfortably.

“You have to think Arsenal are probably going to go out of the Champions League to Barcelona, and Man City should go through against Dynamo Kiev.

“City also have another two games in the Capital One Cup, where they usually play their best side, so there’s four extra matches. If Arsenal win this, I think they kick on.”

Merson went on, “What has changed for Arsenal this season? The other teams being unpredictable has helped, nobody has had major momentum throughout the season, but Arsenal have been mildly consistent.”

It’s true. Our usual rivals appear to not actually want to win the league this year and some are having trouble even getting the most straightforward of wins. Others are sacking their managers, players are rebelling and some are just being a bit shoddy.

Now’s the best chance we’ve had in a long time to win the league. Although obviously we’ll have to edge past Leicester… another surprise of the season so far.

I hope Merson’s right and we can not only win the league but win it comfortably. Mainly because my Gooner heart couldn’t take it otherwise.