Arsenal boss Unai Emery has NOT improved frail defence since Arsene Wenger quit, blasts Paul Merson
Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions but their former star fears they have still not solved the problems which have haunted them for years
PAUL MERSON has written off Arsenal's top four chances - because Unai Emery has failed to sort out the club's problem defence.
The Spaniard has made an impressive start to his career at the Emirates having stepped into Arsene Wenger's shoes last summer.
After losing his opening two matches, Emery has gradually started to make his mark and Arsenal went on a winning run of 11 straight matches.
That was brought to a halt last weekend when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace to slip four points adrift of early pacesetters Manchester City and Liverpool.
And for Gunners hero Merson, the same old problems still exist on the red side of North London - at the back.
The pundit has written off their title chances as a result and ultimately fears they will finish outside the top five.
He said: "Arsenal have too much to do to bridge the gap.
"Their defence is still the same as it was under Arsene Wenger in terms of giving away chances."
Merson was asked to rate what he had seen from the big clubs so far this season and give a prediction of who would finish where at the end of the campaign.
He added: "Manchester City are just a bit too good for Liverpool, and Chelsea are very reliant on Hazard.
"Tottenham might not have signed anyone in the summer, but they've only got to get into the top four and before Monday night it was their best start to a season.
"Manchester United are dropping too many points and not looking convincing at the minute."
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Merson believes Pep Guardiola's City will triumph again as they look to defend their title - beating off Liverpool into second plave.
He tips Chelsea to finish third with Spurs coming in fourth - and Jose Mourinho's United pipping Arsenal to fifth.
This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to assess just how much Arsenal have developed since Emery took charge.
Liverpool visit the Emirates looking to keep up the pressure on City at the top, and a defeat for the Gunners would see them fall seven points off the pace.