Paul Merson believes Arsenal will be champions if they win their next three games  

Paul Merson has claimed that Arsenal will win the Premier League title if they secure victory in their next three games.

The Gunners staged an incredible comeback from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday, with substitute Reiss Nelson scoring the winner deep into stoppage time.

Former Arsenal player Merson believes that the momentum is with Mikel Arteta’s side, who are five points clear of Manchester City with 12 games remaining.

Merson has been hugely impressed by the spirit that Arsenal have shown this season.

Speaking on Soccer Saturday, Merson said: ‘I think they win the league. They just keep on going and don’t know when they’re beaten. It’s four [Premier League wins] on the trot and you’ve got to remember the roll they were on before they started winning those games. 

Paul Merson believes that Arsenal will win the league if they win their next three matches

Merson praised Arsenal’s spirit following their 3-2 victory at home to Bournemouth

‘They went 1-0 down at Villa after 10 minutes when they hadn’t won for three games, had just been well beaten by Man City and they bounced back.

‘They’ve been brilliant and the next three games will be defining for me. If they win them, I don’t see how they don’t win it.

‘After Senesi scores [for Bournemouth’s second], you think the worst way out here is 2-2. Then [Thomas] Partey scores and [Benjamin] White scores, which was provided by Reiss Nelson. And what a goal it was from him.’

It was an awful start for Arsenal against Bournemouth, with Philip Billing putting the visitors ahead after just nine seconds. Marcos Senesi inflicted further damage, but Arsenal responded through Thomas Partey and Benjamin White before Nelson’s winner.  

Mikel Arteta’s side are five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League

Arsenal will face Fulham away in their next league game before home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leeds.

There are some high-profile games to come for Arteta’s side thereafter, including clashes against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. 

Arsenal also have Europa League commitments to contend with – they will take on Sporting Lisbon in the last-16 of the competition.

The Gunners are determined to win the league for the first time since 2004, and the spirit that they showed against Bournemouth certainly bodes well going into the deciding stage of the season.

Gabriel Jesus’ upcoming return from injury could also boost Arsenal’s hopes of glory, but Arteta will be wary that there is still much work for his side to do if they are to win the league.