Paul Merson calls out ‘LAZY’ Kai Havertz and accuses Ben White of shirking a tackle as former Arsenal star insists their title chances have ‘100% gone’ after 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa

Paul Merson is adamant Arsenal have blown their chances of winning the Premier League after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa. 

The former Gunners midfielder lamented the efforts of Ben White and Kai Havertz after watching his old side go down to goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins. 

Defeat left Arsenal two points behind Manchester City. Mikel Arteta‘s side’s title aspirations had earlier been given a boost by Liverpool‘s defeat to Crystal Palace.

‘You’ve got to stop that cross.’ He said on Sky Sports, in reference to Havertz’s attempt to close down Lucas Digne for Villa’s opener. 

‘There was a time when Ben White jumped out of a tackle before coming off. You’ve got to stop these things. These chances come around not too many chances in a lifetime of winning the league and you’ve got to get out there and stop that. 

Paul Merson slammed Arsenal after their defeat and claimed that there is no chance of them winning the title

Ben White (right) came in for criticism from Merson, who claimed that the defender pulled out of a challenge before being substituted

Leon Bailey neatly put away Lucas Digne’s deflected cross for Aston Villa’s opener at the Emirates

‘Ben White is jumping out of a tackle, he’s a defender jumping out.

‘You don’t get these chances. You go home tonight and think that’s gone. For me it’s gone. You’ve worked that hard for 32 games to go that extra yard, just one yard to stop that cross. 

‘It’s lazy. It’s 100% gone.’

Arsenal’s defeat has stoked fears of a collapse similar to that which they endured at the end of last season. The Gunners enjoyed a healthy advantage over City before winning only three of their final eight games. 

Pep Guardiola’s side now sit top of the pile, in search of a record-fourth consecutive league title, with only six games left to play. 

Merson believes that the relentless defending champions will have no issue securing maximum points from their remaining games. 

‘They’re chasing the best team in the world.’ He added. ‘The best team who have done it year in year out. 

Manchester City moved to the Premier League summit after hammering Luton 5-1 at the Etihad on Saturday

 ‘It’s not like we’re sitting here thinking “I wonder how Man City will be this season with the rest of the games”. 

‘They will reel them off. They’ll keep playing and playing and wiping teams away. If it was someone else they were chasing down, every chance. ‘I’ve seen this team too many times, they’re bang out of luck Arsenal. They’re chasing one of the best teams ever to play football.’