Former England midfielder Paul Merson has predicted that Arsenal will win only the Premier League title this season, despite their strong campaign across multiple competitions.

The Gunners’ hopes of a historic quadruple were dented after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in a recent final, where Merson believes the second-half performance exposed key weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson criticised Arsenal’s response after the break, claiming they were overwhelmed by City’s intensity and struggled to maintain composure under pressure.

“It’s a confidence-sapping defeat… City destroyed them,” Merson said, suggesting the loss could impact Arsenal’s chances in other competitions.

Despite this, Arsenal remain in a commanding position in the league, holding a nine-point lead over Manchester City. They are also still competing in the FA Cup, where they face Southampton, and in the UEFA Champions League, with a potential semi-final clash against FC Barcelona looming.

However, Merson expressed doubts about their ability to succeed beyond the league, citing concerns over their ability to cope with top-level opposition and tactical challenges, particularly against Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Opinion: One Trophy or a Mental Test for Arsenal?

Paul Merson’s assessment may sound harsh, but it highlights a critical phase in Arsenal’s season—where mentality could define their legacy.

Losing a final, especially in the manner described, can either break a team’s confidence or sharpen its focus. For Arsenal, the Premier League title now feels like both an opportunity and a responsibility. With a nine-point lead, anything less than lifting the trophy would be seen as a major failure.

However, writing them off in other competitions might be premature. Football history is filled with teams that responded to setbacks with stronger performances. The real question is whether Arsenal can mentally recover and adapt tactically against elite opponents.

Merson’s comments also underline a broader issue: Arsenal’s evolution is still in progress. While they may be dominant against most teams in the league, matches against top-tier sides like Manchester City and Barcelona reveal areas that still need refinement.

In the end, this could become a defining moment for Arteta’s squad—not just about how many trophies they win, but how they respond when tested at the highest level.