Paul Merson sends patient message to Arsenal fans ahead of Man City clash

Arsenal legend Paul Merson Photo: Screen grab

Paul Merson has urged the Arsenal supporters to be patient with Unai Emery and his new-look squad ahead of a tough start to the Premier League season.

The Gunners have experienced a summer of change at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal and Arsene Wenger parted company following 22 seasons in charge.

The north London side turned to the former Paris Saint-Germain manager to replace Wenger as Arsenal look to break back into the top four.

The Gunners have signed five new players in the summer transfer window to improve Emery’s squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Arsenal finished 37 points adrift of Manchester City in the title race last term to highlight the size of the task facing the Spanish head coach.

The north London side will host Manchester City in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2017-18 season.

Arsenal will make the short trip to Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea FC in their second top-flight outing.

Former Arsenal star Merson has urged the Gunners supporters to be patient with Emery ahead of the Premier League curtain raiser.

“He couldn’t have a worse start with Man City at home and Chelsea away so for me, you just have to give him time but it’ll be different, even on Super Sunday, you’ll see the way they’ll set up and you know there will be a plan. It won’t be like the old days,” Merson told Sky Sports.

Arsenal finished in sixth spot in the Premier League table last season to miss out on a Champions League spot.

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