Arsenal suffered another disappointing Premier League result as they played out a 0-0 draw against Everton on Saturday.
Not for the first time this season, Arsenal struggled to create clear cut goalscoring opportunities. Despite dominating possession and territory, Mikel Arteta’s side were unable to consistently break through the Everton defence.
In one sense, the Gunners dominated the midfield battle. Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice controlled the game and did not allow the Toffees a period of dominance.
However, when it came to linking with attackers and carving out chances, this trio failed. Arteta even took Odegaard off in the second half, as the Norwegian playmaker was not at his best.
Meanwhile, Merino has now struggled to consistently impress since his summer arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal fans slam Mikel Merino after Everton draw
Many Arsenal fans on X are now beginning to lose patience with the Spanish midfielder.
One said: “Merino has not impressed at all in my view. Partey is streets ahead.”
Another stated: “Merino, I’m struggling brother.”
One Arsenal supporter claimed: “Fabio Vieira is a better creative player than Merino. If Merino was good he wouldn’t be 28 without playing for a top club. Offering nothing apart from slowing us more.”
Another added: “Not going to lie but the difference in game influence between Xhaka and Merino is gargantuan. Xhaka was always on the ball, spreading the play or releasing people down the wing. I didn’t notice Merino once yesterday.”
Did Mikel Arteta make a huge summer transfer mistake?
Merino arrived at Arsenal with a well-earned reputation from his time in La Liga.
The 28-year-old is a powerful midfield presence, who is tidy in possession, and offers real aerial threat. Merino’s duel winning ability will have appealed to Arteta, as will the fact that he brings experience to the dressing room.
However, with Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira both allowed to leave the club in the summer, it has now become clear that Arteta’s squad lacks playmakers. If Odegaard is injured, or off his game as he was against Everton, then the Gunners are without an effective chance creator in the middle of the park.
In this scenario, Merino’s lack of impact in this regard become a glaring flaw and undermines the manager’s summer transfer strategy.
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