A shadow of doubt hangs over Arsenal’s title aspirations, according to club legend Paul Merson. He believes a crucial tactical misstep – the continued use of Mikel Merino as a false nine – could ultimately cost them the Premier League crown.
Merino, a central midfielder, filled the role out of necessity last season during a wave of injuries. But Merson argues that persisting with this strategy, especially against formidable opponents, is a gamble Arsenal can’t afford to take.
The heart of Merson’s concern lies with Viktor Gyokeres, the £64 million summer signing from Sporting. A proven goalscorer in Portugal, Gyokeres has been largely confined to the bench, despite his potential to unlock defenses.
Gyokeres missed a portion of November due to injury, but even upon his return, he’s found himself watching from the sidelines in Arsenal’s last four matches. Merson questions the logic, asking why a player of such significant investment remains unused.
Looking ahead to the upcoming clash against Wolves, Merson predicts a dominant performance for Arsenal. He sees a stark contrast between the two sides, suggesting Wolves are currently struggling to find any path to victory.
He specifically points to the recent defeat against Aston Villa as a prime example of Arteta’s tactical error. With Villa in strong form, Merson believes Gyokeres’ presence upfront could have disrupted their rhythm and created vital opportunities.
Merson doesn’t shy away from direct criticism, stating bluntly that Arsenal won’t win the league with Merino leading the line. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing Gyokeres, the “missing link” they invested so heavily in.
Despite the concerns, Merson acknowledges Arteta’s willingness to take risks and maintain a positive approach. He also recognizes the challenges posed by recent injuries, which have hampered Arsenal’s ability to field their strongest eleven consistently.
Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal with a reputation for almost a goal per game. While he’s yet to replicate those numbers in the Premier League – currently with four goals in thirteen appearances – Merson believes his potential remains untapped.
Wolves, meanwhile, are facing a desperate situation, languishing near the bottom of the table with a meager two points from fifteen games and a significant gap to safety. The trip to North London presents a daunting challenge.
