Paul Merson &#8211; CaughtOffside

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‘[But as No 1] I’ve gone for a player who is the best player I’ve ever played with by a million miles. I didn’t think a professional footballer could be that good. [It’s] Dennis Bergkamp.

‘He was unbelievable. I had a good brain, I could see things on a football pitch. I had good vision. But I’d never seen anything like him.

‘He had eyes in the back of his head. He was as cool as ice. You ask anyone who played with him… all the forwards wanted to played with him.

‘You talk to Thierry Henry… he’d say Dennis Bergkamp. Ian Wright [would say] Dennis Bergkamp.

‘If you made a run, he would find you. He just had everything.’

Bergkamp was a fan favourite at Arsenal

Manchester United and Liverpool fans might not like this pick from the Arsenal legend but there is a strong case for the former Dutch striker.

He won three Premier League titles during his time at Arsenal and mesmerised fans all over the country with his playing style and class on the pitch.

He might not be the most prolific goal scorer but the way he linked up with players, displayed delicate touches in his game and created chances for his teammates was hugely impressive.

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Paul Merson backs England player to be Euros breakout ‘superstar’

Sean Walker — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 19:21:52 +0000

Paul Merson believes that Eberechi Eze will be the breakout star at this summer’s European Championships for England.

With every top European league now officially over, all eyes turn to the summer’s European Championships which are due to kick-off next week.

Despite never winning the tournament, England is one of the favourites to lift the trophy in July as they arguably possess the strongest international side.

With Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in their group, Gareth Southgate will be more than confident of progressing through to the knockout stages.

Like every international tournament, clubs will be keeping their eye out for talent so that they can improve in the transfer window.

Paul Merson tips breakout star Eberechi Eze

Writing on Sky Sports, former Arsenal player Merson believes that this summer’s breakthrough star will be England’s Eze.

“At tournaments, you always get a player who comes out of the blue and becomes a superstar.” He said.

“We’ve seen it at World Cups and Euros over the years. For me, Eze could be that player.”

The Crystal Palace star is reportedly available for £60 million with a host of Premier League clubs showing interest.

The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City last season with rumours about a potential move away from Selhurst Park already circulating.

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Paul Merson makes bold Man United prediction for 2024/25

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:39:32 +0000

It’s clear that things have to change at Man United if the Red Devils want to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has seemingly worked hard since taking over the footballing side of the business at the back end of last year, and Dan Ashworth aside, he has the people in place at board level that he wants.

A change of manager may or may not be on the agenda, whilst a busy transfer window is almost a necessity given how poorly the first-team fared for long periods of the campaign.

Merson says Man United will make top four

The FA Cup final win over Man City was an unexpected bonus and it might just have kept Erik ten Hag in a job for another season, though he will need to ensure that the squad improves their position from the 2023/24 campaign.

That’s something Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson, believes will happen.

“I’ve got a feeling for next season. I think Tottenham have got to concentrate on one thing,” he said to Sky Sports, alluding to Spurs’ Champions League charge.

Man United players

“I think top four, Chelsea are going to be there, Manchester United can only get better – top four’s hard now.”

Suggesting that the Red Devils would get into the top four next season is quite the bold prediction from the former Arsenal man.

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Much will depend on how United start the 2024/25 campaign, and whether they can build on it.

Given the sheer amount of injuries that ten Hag has had to deal with too, some good luck in that regard will be of obvious benefit.

If all of the stars align for the club, there’s no reason why Merson can’t be proved correct, and a move in the right direction will bring some positivity back to one of the world’s most storied clubs.

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Merson claims he would axe James Maddison from the England squad

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:12:17 +0000

Gareth Southgate has announced his provisional England squad for the European Championship in Germany and has certainly surprised a few people with his selections.

Jordan Henderson’s omission could probably have been foreseen, but leaving out Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling was a big call from the manager.

The Three Lions are one of the favourites to win the tournament this time around, after coming close in the last edition against Italy.

Merson would prefer Palace man to replace Maddison

As long as Southgate’s stars don’t get injured in the lead up to the competition, the squad have every chance of winning their first piece of silverware since the 1966 World Cup final.

In any event, Paul Merson has had his say on squad selection and he’s not happy that Tottenham Hotspur ace, James Maddison is likely to get a seat on the plane.

“I am not surprised at the moment because when he (Maddison) is hot, he is hot. You put Eze down there. I would never put him down,” he said on a Sky Sports News debate, cited by We Are Palace.

“He goes (to Germany). For me, out of him and Maddison, he goes to Germany.

“Honestly, he is the X-factor, he is the X-factor. He can do something. Other teams won’t know a lot about him. I don’t know how you stop him. He drops his shoulder like that.”

Whilst Eze might be considered a bit of a ‘wild card,’ one can certainly understand where Merson is coming from, and the way that he and his colleagues have played under Oliver Glasner in the latter part of the season is nothing short of sensational.

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Paul Merson gives strong reaction to Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea departure news

CJ — Tue, 21 May 2024 21:31:57 +0000

Paul Merson has branded Chelsea’s decision to part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino as ‘madness’.

The Blues announced on Tuesday that Pochettino will leave by mutual consent following just one season in charge.

Pochettino was unable to deliver silverware at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea spent much of the 2023/24 campaign in the bottom half of the table. However, a late-season revival saw them shoot to sixth in the Premier League, guaranteeing them European football for next season.

The Argentine also guided Chelsea to the EFL Cup final and FA Cup semi-final, losing at Wembley to Liverpool and Manchester City in the respective competitions.

None of that was enough to convince the powers that be at Chelsea that Pochettino was the right man to lead the club forward and the search is now underway for his replacement.

Merson blasts Chelsea Pochettino decision

Despite turning out over 400 times for Arsenal during his playing career, Paul Merson is a boyhood Chelsea fan.

The former England international — who has long worked as a pundit for Sky Sports — was quick to offer a strong reaction to the news of Pochettino’s departure, branding Chelsea’s decision as ‘madness’.

“Just hearing the news about Pochettino. Cannot believe he’s gone. Cannot believe,” Merson said in a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Whoever is making these decisions… how are you going to replace a manager like him? Just got the team going, went on a great run, got into Europe, got into sixth in the league from where they were. He’s just got this team playing.

“It’s madness I cannot, cannot, cannot believe what I’m hearing.”

Reaction to Poch news #Chelsea ??? pic.twitter.com/FjOE0wX1ia

— Paul Merson (@PaulMerse) May 21, 2024

Among the names linked to be Pochettino’s replacement are Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca of Leicester City.

Whoever comes in will face serious pressure at a big-spending club without a Premier League title since 2017 or a trophy of any kind in the past two seasons.

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Paul Merson thinks if Arsenal sign this player then Gunners will “go to another level”

Jake Staniland — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:38:52 +0000

As the Premier League season draws to a close, Arsenal find themselves tantalisingly close to clinching the title, likely finishing within two points of the top spot. While this near-miss is undoubtedly agonising for the Gunners and their supporters, there are plenty of reasons to remain positive about the club’s future.

Arsenal have had a remarkable season, demonstrating significant progress under Mikel Arteta. The team’s improvement is evident in their cohesive play, robust defence, and a more consistent goal-scoring record.

Finishing within touching distance of the Premier League title is a testament to their hard work and development. However, questions will be raised if Arsenal surrender the trophy to Manchester City for the second season in a row.

Nevertheless, the close competition with the league leaders highlights that they are on the right path and have the potential to go all the way in the near future.

Newcastle United’s Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on April 13, 2024. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP)

Paul Merson wants Arsenal to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak

Former Arsenal star and current pundit Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on the team’s prospects and potential improvements. Writing in his column for SportsKeeda, Merson discussed Newcastle’s final game of the season and recommended Alexander Isak as a potential signing for Arsenal.

“They (Newcastle) are a massive team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of their stars moved on to win trophies. If Arsenal sign a striker like Isak, I think they go to another level,” Merson stated. His endorsement of Isak underlines the striker’s quality and the impact he could have at the Emirates.

Alexander Isak, despite facing injury challenges this season, is poised to finish as the second-highest-scoring striker in the Premier League. His prowess in front of goal makes him a coveted asset for any top team.

Arsenal’s interest in Isak, who was previously scouted by the club before his move to Newcastle, signifies their intent to bolster their attacking options.

Acquiring Isak could cost around £100 million, but his potential to elevate Arsenal’s attack might justify the hefty price tag. Isak’s ability to link up play, his clinical finishing, and his physical presence would provide Arsenal with a different dimension in the final third.

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Paul Merson highlights Manchester United issue after Arsenal defeat

Sean Walker — Sun, 12 May 2024 18:47:39 +0000

Paul Merson has claimed that Arsenal will ‘never have an easier game’ after their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.

The Gunners returned back to the summit of the Premier League table after their tense and hard-fought win against Manchester United.

Despite not playing particularly well Mikel Arteta’s side were able to secure a nervy 1-0 win thanks to Leandro Trossard’s first-half opener.

After the ball was cleared up the pitch by Andre Onana, Casemiro who dropped deep to offer an option, failed to get up with his defence in time playing Kai Havertz onside.

The German received the ball from Ben White before taking Jonny Evans to the touchline and putting it on a plate for Trossard in the area.

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Despite having a lot of possession, the home side were unable to penetrate the Gunners’ defence with the game ending 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Speaking after the contest, Merson criticised Erik ten Hag’s side for their poor performance against an Arsenal side who were far from their best

‘I thought they [Arsenal] played in second gear,’ Merson said on Sky Sports via the Daily Mail.

‘Very disappointed with Man United – I don’t think they done enough at all.’

‘Arsenal will never have an easier game than that, to be honest. It was too easy and they didn’t play well at all.

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Video: “They didn’t play well at all” – Paul Merson on Arsenal win

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 12 May 2024 17:52:52 +0000

Arsenal ensured the Premier League title race will go to the final day of the season after they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Leandro Trossard scored the only goal of the game after Casemiro had played Kai Havertz onside in the build up.

The Gunners weren’t at their brilliant best and across the 90 minutes you could argue it was one of their poorer displays of 2024.

Mikel Arteta won’t care as they left with the three points and placed the impetus on Manchester City who head to Tottenham on Tuesday night.

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After the game former Arsenal player Merson stated he didn’t think Arsenal played well and that they struggled to control the game.

Arsenal have a week to prepare for their final game of the season at home to Everton in what could be a title party at the Emirates.

Watch: Paul Merson’s thoughts on Arsenal’s win

"I didn't think they really controlled the game" ?

Merson on Arsenal's performance against Man Utd ? pic.twitter.com/CL5LOpSDLt

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 12, 2024

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Pundit gives honest Manchester United prediction ahead of Arsenal clash

Sean Walker — Sun, 12 May 2024 11:39:54 +0000

Paul Merson does not hold high hopes for Manchester United in their clash against Arsenal on Sunday after their disastrous result at the start of the week.

Erik ten Hag’s were humbled at Selhurst Park on Monday night in arguably their most disappointing result of the season so far, losing 4-0 against a struggling Palace side.

Currently sitting eighth in the table, the Red Devils are on course for their worst-ever finish in Premier League history after Chelsea leapfrogged them in the standings.

Although they hold a game in hand over the Blues, they must try to stop Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging Gunners at Old Trafford, an unenviable task with their last away defeat occurring on New Year’s Eve when they shockingly lost at Craven Cottage.

Paul Merson on Manchester United vs Arsenal

Speaking to Sportskeeda in the build-up to the game, former Arsenal star Merson gave his prediction for the contest, not holding out too much hope for Ten Hag’s men.

“Manchester United, I couldn’t believe what I was watching against Crystal Palace.” He said.

“It was an absolutely shocking performance and if they play like that against Arsenal, they’ll concede four or five goals again.”

After yet another dominating performance from Manchester City on Saturday, all eyes turn to Arsenal with only a win good enough to keep them in the title race.

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Leeds United expected to sign a new attacker before the end of this month

Exclusive: Lautaro Martinez regen: Reported Tottenham target now approached by two PL clubs