Merson, a 58-year-old former international, believes City's defence is not good enough to compete for the title after watching them concede five goals against Sunderland. He thinks City's high-scoring style of play will be punished by top teams, saying: "You can't keep making so many goals and playing like that, top teams will punish that. Manchester City was good, but at the back it was completely open."
Merson's comments come after City's 5-3 win over Sunderland, which was followed by a 1-0 defeat for Arsenal at Brighton & Hove Albion. City are currently top of the Premier League table, but Merson thinks they will struggle to maintain their momentum.