'100 per cent gone' - Everything Paul Merson, Ian Wright and pundits said about Arsenal's defeat

Arsenal gave up ground in the Premier League title race when they slipped to a damaging defeat against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Quick-fire goals from substitute Leon Bailey and England star Ollie Watkins settled the scores to put Manchester City in pole position at the summit.

Pep Guardiola's star-studded side are two points clear with six games to play as they target their fourth Premier League crown on the bounce. Arsenal, meanwhile, must pick up the pieces in the aftermath of a jaw-dropping 24 hours in which Liverpool were also beaten - by Crystal Palace - in a double boost for City.

Despite harbouring so much hope for so long this season, former Arsenal stars Paul Merson and Ian Wright were among the pundits to flag up just how significant this reverse might be for The Gunners. Here, we round-up what Merson, Wright and other high-profile TV figures said at the final whistle...

READ MORE: Arsenal last six Premier League fixtures compared with title rivals Man City and Liverpool

READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal title race, Martin Odegaard injury and Aston Villa

Paul Merson (Sky Sports)

"We turned up and it was all about Liverpool, Arsenal, Liverpool, Arsenal. The two teams they faced have been outstanding, both incredible, and that's what you have to look at. It's completely turned on its head now - City went to Crystal Palace last week in what was a must-win football match and got the job done - they did their business this weekend and all of a sudden they've blown the other two [Arsenal and Liverpool] away. They put pressure on them by playing first and they couldn't handle it, either of them.

"For me it's gone. They've worked that hard for 32 games to go that extra yard to stop that cross and it's lazy. It's lazy and 100 per cent it's gone... because they're chasing the best team in the world down. The best team in the world who have done it year-in, year-out. When was the last time they got beaten, Man City? They've not lost at home for 40-odd games, unbeaten in 17, they just reel wins off. They will reel them off, it's not squeaky-bum time for them, I'd be shocked if they lose a game for the rest of this season.

"Any other side and Arsenal would have a chance but, no, not for me. I've seen this team too many times to think Arsenal have a chance. The big advantage Arsenal have next week is that they play before Manchester City again, they play next week against Wolves and if they win that, they're back at the top."

Ian Wright (Premier League Productions)

"Arsenal went into their shell and lost their intensity. Aston Villa found their intensity in the second half. Two shots on target, two goals. Very ruthless with their finishing. Villa deserved to win that game."

Gary Lineker (X)

"It's all gone a bit Gunnersy... Unai Emery is absolutely an elite coach. Masterclass."

Alan Shearer (X)

"What an outstanding brave performance from Aston Villa. Thoroughly deserved the points. A great weekend for Manchester City."

Gary Neville (Sky Sports)

"This has been a huge day for the title race, a massive congratulations to Unai Emery's side, they were outstanding. They completely turned the tables, they wore Arsenal down and Arsenal didn't have the answers. It's a big, big job going into for Mikel Arteta to make sure that isn't the balloon bursting for this season."

Jamie Redknapp (Sky Sports)

"I'd expect Pep [Guardiola] to have a nice bottle of Spanish red, he's got his cigar out and he's playing [Oasis song] Wonderwall. We looked at the ties and we thought both would bank a home win, but again we've mentioned this word bottle and it's so important to have it at this point in the season. Simple things seem so difficult when you're lacking confidence and this is what Man City do - they crank it up when they're chasing you and they've overtaken them now. It's dangerous times for these two teams."