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MAN IN THE MUDDLE

Arsenal would win the Premier League if Arsene Wenger’s tactics were as good as Harry Redknapp, claims Paul Merson

PAUL MERSON has taken aim at Arsene Wenger yet again - this time claiming Arsenal would win the Premier League if the Frenchman had the "tactical nous" of Harry Redknapp.

The former Tottenham manager, while doing a very respectable job and getting Spurs into the Champions League, has never been seen as a tactical genius.

 Paul Merson cleebrates scoring for Portsmouth where he won the old First Division - before the name was changed to Championship
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Paul Merson cleebrates scoring for Portsmouth where he won the old First Division - before the name was changed to ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images

Redknapp was manager of Tottenham between 2008 and 2012 - and was fired after his side took a dip after the former West Ham boss flirted with managing England.

And despite polishing undoubted class acts such as Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, as well as recruiting players like Rafael van der Vaart and turning Peter Crouch into a forward force, tactics were never his strong suit.

Tottenham never won a trophy under Redknapp, but beat Inter Milan in thrilling fashion at White Hart Lane in October 2010.

Meanwhile Wenger last won the league title in 2004 - during Arsenal's unbeaten season - and clinched the FA Cup last term.

 Paul Merson played for Arsenal during Arsene Wenger's first season at the club
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Paul Merson played for Arsenal during Arsene Wenger's first season at the clubCredit: Getty Images
 Arsene Wenger is the longest serving manager in the Premier League
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Arsene Wenger is the longest serving manager in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images
 Harry Redknapp was sacked as Birmingham manager last month
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Harry Redknapp was sacked as Birmingham manager last monthCredit: Rex Features
 Paul Merson famously celebrated with a 'drinking pint' gesture while playing for Arsenal
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Paul Merson famously celebrated with a 'drinking pint' gesture while playing for ArsenalCredit: Hulton Archive - Getty

And despite huge criticism of Wenger over the last to seasons, he signed a new two-year deal approved by Ivan Gazidis and the club's owners.

Merson said of Redknapp: "People say he's a wheeler dealer and it's so disrespectful.

"Tactically, he's one of the best I've worked with. If Arsene Wenger had Harry Redknapp's tactical nous, Arsenal would win the league."

Merson played under Wenger during the Frenchman's first season in North London and under Redknapp at Portsmouth in 2003.

Meanwhile, the Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundit is set to play for a third tier Welsh club on the outskirts of Cardiff.

Merson has agreed to play for Caerau at the age of 49 after becoming mates with the club's secretary.

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