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Paul Merson: 'Arsenal have to compete for Premier League title'

Paul Merson tells Arsene Wenger that Arsenal must contend for the Premier League title this season.

Arsene Wenger will face questions next summer if Arsenal do not compete for the Premier League title, according to former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson.

The North London side have claimed back-to-back FA Cups but have not won the league since 2004, and Merson insists that Wenger finally has a squad capable of winning.

He told Sky Sports News: "I would not put them as favourites, as this team have not won it before, so it is a different kettle of fish come next March.

"The thing is, Chelsea have been there and done it, whereas Arsenal haven't, and that is why if you see the bookmakers' prices Arsenal are a lot longer than Chelsea and [Manchester] City. And that is because they have not been in that situation before.

"However, if they are not contending come next April, then there have got to be serious questions asked, especially as they have bought a very good goalie."

Arsenal start their Premier League campaign against West Ham United next weekend.

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Charlie Bennett
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A general view of the outside of the stadium ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on May 20, 2015
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1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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