Paul Merson picks the game where Arsenal will beat Man City to Premier League title

Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League, albeit having played one match more than Manchester City, but Paul Merson believes the north Londoners will prevail

Arsenal will secure the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years if they defeat Fulham next weekend, according to Paul Merson. The Gunners overcame Newcastle 1-0 on Saturday to restore some composure following a difficult spell and return to the summit.

Eberechi Eze's spectacular strike from distance proved sufficient for three points on a tense evening in north London. The hosts required a strong display from goalkeeper David Raya and a significant miss from Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa to secure victory.

With Manchester City occupied, defeating Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final, Arsenal seized their opportunity to reclaim first place in the Premier League. Three consecutive victories for City, including the vital triumph over Arsenal last weekend, had drawn Pep Guardiola's team level on points.

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However, Arsenal can extend the advantage to six points by defeating Fulham next Saturday, with City not featuring in league competition again until facing Everton away on Monday, 4th May. That points buffer could prove decisive in the run-in, according to former Arsenal player Merson.

"If Arsenal win next week against Fulham at home, Arsenal will win the league," Merson declared confidently on Sky Sports. "I do [think so].

"I've said all season that they'll win it. It is getting tight, but I think if they can go six points clear... Everton away is a difficult game [for Man City] when six points behind."

Jamie Redknapp added: "I think it's 50/50. I genuinely believe that. Anything could happen. We might get down to a situation with goal difference. We see the pressure. I watched Man City against Burnley on Tuesday night and there was a little bit of pressure in their performance. Anything can still happen."

Statistics experts Opta install Arsenal as strong favourites at 72% to clinch their first championship since 2003/04, partly owing to the perceived difficulty of their fixtures. Mikel Arteta's men face Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace, while City contend with Europe-chasing Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Palace and Aston Villa.

After the match, Arteta admitted he was relieved with the victory, having lost to Bournemouth and City in their last two matches. He said: "We had a huge reset and I sensed a change in energy in the dressing room. We enjoyed what we had to do and now we play the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final which is incredible."

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice added: "I think we said after last week that we have to win five games if you want to win the Premier League. That's one down and now four to go. It was about winning no matter how we win."

When quizzed on how they were managing the mounting pressure, Rice said: "Block it out, we've got to this point for a reason, you know. There's always going to be noise, from home fans, away fans, people outside.

"It's about blocking it out and believing in what we can do and that is just winning football matches. We will continue to do that."