Arsenal hero Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta’s squad can lay down ‘another marker’ in the Premier League title race by beating Chelsea in the London derby this Saturday.

The Magic Man claims a win at Stamford Bridge will make the Gunners a major threat in the title race. Arsenal currently share the top of the Premier League table with Tottenham on 20 points from eight fixtures. The north London rivals are the only unbeaten teams this season.

Arsenal continued their almost faultless start to this term by beating champions Manchester City 1-0 before the international break. Gabriel Martinelli returned from a hamstring injury to score the only goal. The Brazilian’s late strike took a huge deflection off Nathan Ake’s face.

Merson sees Premier League title implications in Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea

Beating Manchester City was huge for Arsenal, having lost their previous 12 Premier League matches. The Citizens were also just the Gunners’ latest big scalp having beaten Manchester United 3-1 this term. Arteta’s side also drew 2-2 with Tottenham after taking the lead twice.

Now, Chelsea stand in Arsenal’s path, having not beaten the Gunners in their last three top-flight tussles. Arteta has beaten Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard and now has Mauricio Pochettino in his sights. But Merson also sees title implications in the meeting.

“Pochettino’s side can kick-start their season with a win,” Merson told Sky Sports. “But this is also a big game for Arsenal. This can be another marker laid down for them. If they win this game, I’m looking at Arsenal as major, major players.”

Arteta knows Arsenal cannot take the London derby lightly to win the title

As Merson suggests, Chelsea will sense beating Arsenal is the perfect way to kick-start their underwhelming season under Pochettino. The Argentine has only overseen three wins from eight games in charge at Stamford Bridge. The Blues also only sit 11th in the table this term.

Arsenal know they cannot take Chelsea lightly and Arteta will want his team playing at their best to win. The Gunners will kick themselves if they waste their new lead over Manchester City in their very next fixture. Arsenal cannot drop many points if they are to claim the title.

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