Paul Merson predicts who will finish higher next season – Arsenal or Tottenham

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Paul Merson has predicted who will finish higher in the Premier League table next season – Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur.

The battle for North London’s bragging rights is always a good watch. Arsenal had the upper hand for over two decades in the Premier League era, but in recent years, it’s Spurs who have been ahead.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked like they were about to change that last season. Arsenal were in touching distance of finishing fourth ahead of Tottenham, but they blew their opportunity in the penultimate week of the campaign.

The new season brings new hopes, and both clubs will want to get the better of each other again. But, who will finish higher? Merson has his say.

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Paul Merson thinks Arsenal will finish higher than Tottenham in 2022/23

In his column on Sportskeeda, Merson wrote: “Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea pick themselves as the top three in whatever order and I’d be shocked if anything else were to happen.

“I’ll put Manchester United in the reckoning for a place in the top four because they are a massive club, but they haven’t done enough business at this point in time to stand a chance of securing UEFA Champions League football, so it should be between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

“If I had to pick one of the two north London sides, I’ll have to go with Arsenal.

“Tottenham’s participation in the UEFA Champions League this season could be an issue for them, as they’ll have a bunch of tough mid-week games to cater to in between their Premier League commitments. They don’t really have a big squad, which could make all the difference.

“Arsenal, on the other hand, should be able to manage their domestic commitments as the UEFA Europa League isn’t that high in terms of quality, at least in comparison to the Champions League.”

TBR View:

This is a really difficult one to call.

Tottenham have already brought in five new players, while Djed Spence is reportedly about to become their sixth signing of this incredible summer transfer window.

Arsenal have brought in four players too, but only Gabriel Jesus is a guaranteed starter. The Brazilian definitely makes the Gunners a lot stronger than they were last season, but whether that will be enough to push Arteta’s side over Tottenham remains to be seen.

It will be interesting to see how the two sides will fare next season, but we’re almost certain it will be an incredible battle.

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