Paul Merson has issued a stark warning to Arsenal, saying Mikel Arteta’s decision to persist with Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward could ultimately cost the club the Premier League title.
Paul Merson Warns Mikel Arteta’s Choice Could Cost Arsenal the Premier League Title
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League but have seen their lead trimmed to just two points after a recent defeat to Aston Villa and a tight title battle with Manchester City.
The Gunners last won the league in 2004 and looked poised for a breakthrough this season before recent results tightened the title race.
Merson, who starred for Arsenal during his playing career, criticised Arteta’s decision to deploy Merino traditionally a central midfielder as a centre-forward.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, the former striker said Arsenal needed a recognised No. 9 to unsettle strong opponents like Villa, and that Gyokeres, the club’s big-money summer signing, is the right fit for the role when fit.
“I thought Mikel Arteta got it wrong when he used Mikel Merino as the centre-forward in the game against Villa,” Merson said.
“I know Merino scores a lot of important goals, but Villa were bang in form and they needed someone like Viktor Gyokeres in that line-up to unsettle the opponents.
You pay all that money for the ‘missing link’ and he sits on the bench for three straight games. If he had fitness issues, why is he on the bench? I don’t understand it.”
Merson added a blunt warning: “Arsenal won’t win the league if they keep playing Merino as their centre-forward.”
Gyokeres, signed from Sporting Lisbon in the summer, has struggled for consistent attacking form in the Premier League but remains a key part of Arteta’s plans when fit.
Arsenal’s lead at the top has come under pressure of late, and choices up front are likely to shape their title challenge in the coming months.
Arsenal now turn their attention to a home clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend as they seek to steady their title bid.
