After Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, former attacker Paul Merson had harsh words for Ben White and Kai Havertz.
At the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Villa defeated Arsenal 2-0.
A victory would put the north London club back atop the league, and they knew it.
But that didn’t happen; in the 84th minute, Aston Villa seized the lead thanks to a Lucas Digne cross.
In the 87th minute, Ollie Watkins increased their advantage with a chipped strike past David Raya after rushing from within his own half.
The first goal came from a cross by Digne, and Merson blasted Havertz for failing to stop it.
Earlier in the second half, he scolded White for avoiding a tackle.
On Sky Sports, he proclaimed, “You must put an end to that cross!” Once upon a time, Ben White sprung out of a tackle and walked off the field.
“These things must cease. There aren’t many opportunities to win the league, so you need to seize this one while you can.
As a defender, Ben White is bursting out of a tackle. This is a rare opportunity. That will be gone when you return home tonight.
I don’t feel it anymore. After 32 games of hard work, you finally managed to go the additional yard to prevent that cross. A slacker.