Arsenal icon warns Gunners title race is OVER if they are beaten by Liverpool

Arsenal legend has warned the Gunners' hopes of winning the will be over if they lose to .

will be seven points behind Liverpool and six points behind defending champions if they suffer a second consecutive league defeat on Sunday, with Adams warning they "have to stay in touch" with their rivals.

In an interview with the , Adams said: "This is not quite a must-win game but it is a must-not-lose. We can't lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the than the title, even this early.

"At the back end of the season, you will also have a City squad that has been rotated and is full of beans. Usually they don't lose a game. You have to stay in touch with your rivals. If you get to April within three points of the title, you still have a chance."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Arsenal will be without William Saliba for the clash after he was sent off in their 2-0 defeat to last weekend, while captain Martin Odegaard, , Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are all injury doubts.

"With Saliba out and the injuries, everything is pointing to an away win," Adams continued. "As soon as Saliba went off against Bournemouth, you saw it fall apart. We lost our balance.

"It's the first time in about three years that we've had a few injuries and it is highlighting weaknesses in the squad. City have got an array of talent. That level of quality throughout your squad makes a difference over the season.

"Liverpool are confident and is on fire but I have a funny feeling Arsenal will get a point. I would love it if we got all three — and if that means getting another red card in the process, so be it."

Liverpool also have several injury problems, with Diogo Jota, Alisson, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley all expected to miss the trip to Arsenal. "I think they feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend," Reds boss admitted.

"Federico might train with us today or tomorrow – but Diogo definitely not. And Conor Bradley, let's see if he can be with us tomorrow. [Alisson] is progressing well, like we expect. But it's not a short-term recovery."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our