Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to start a specific front three for Arsenal’s game against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners travel to the north-east looking to end a three-match run without a win at St. James’ Park.
Arteta’s team was held by Manchester City last week, meaning they now sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, and cannot afford another slip-up.
Meanwhile, Newcastle sit 13th in the league, having won just one of their opening five matches, scoring just three goals.
Paul Merson wants Mikel Arteta to start Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka against Newcastle
Arteta has been criticised for his team selection in recent matches.
The Spaniard selected Mikel Merino against Manchester City at the Emirates last week, while he opted for Leandro Trossard on the left.
This specific configuration of players did not work together, with the Gunners boss recognising this and making two substitutions at the break.
There has been heated discourse about Eberechi Eze and his best position, with many feeling he should be used in the central role he’s taken up in the last two matches.
However, Paul Merson has called on Arteta to use the former Crystal Palace man off the left at St. James’ Park, alongside Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres.
“Arsenal must not sit back in this game, if they do that, Newcastle will score,” Merson wrote for Sportskeeda.
“I’d play Saka, Eze and Viktor Gyokeres as the front-three here, but I don’t think Arteta will do that if I’m being honest.
“I have a feeling Gabriel Martinelli will start instead of Eze. He’s a disciplined player and can be useful with his pace. But Eze is the X-factor, he can unlock defences, like he showed against City.”
Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli should both start against Newcastle
Martin Odegaard is unlikely to start against Newcastle, even if he’s fit enough to return to the squad following his shoulder injury.
Merino should not be the man to replace the Norwegian after the Euro 2024 winner delivered two disappointing displays in the last two games.
Instead, Arsenal should look to beat the Magpies by playing into their superior technical quality, rather than trying to battle them physically.
This means that Eze should start centrally, either as a left or right eight, with Gabriel Martinelli deployed on the wing.
The Brazilian’s pace in behind could be crucial as Newcastle press high up the pitch, while Eze’s guile centrally will enable the Gunners to evade Howe’s team physically intense midfield.
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