Mikel Arteta has come under a bit of criticism since Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa.
The Gunners went into the clash at Villa Park unbeaten in 18 games, but they deserved nothing against Unai Emery’s side, who were the worthy winners.
Injuries and fatigue were the biggest reasons why Arsenal lost that game, but Paul Merson has identified another problem that led to their downfall – Mikel Arteta’s striker decision.
If you could swap Viktor Gyokeres for Benjamin Sesko right now, would you? If so, why?
Paul Merson slams Mikel Arteta’s striker decision in Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Arteta named Mikel Merino up front against Aston Villa instead of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sweden international started the game on the bench against the Villans, but he was brought on at half-time. Merino had a shocking first half and was rightly replaced.
Gyokeres couldn’t do much when he came on either, but the fact that Arsenal had a natural centre-forward leading the line gave them a bit of hope.
Merson has now had a go at Arteta’s decision to use Merino up top. The pundit went as far as saying the Gunners will not win the Premier League if their boss keeps doing the same thing every week.
He told Sportskeeda: “I thought Mikel Arteta got it wrong when he used Mikel Merino as the centre-forward in the game against Villa. 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.
“I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, Arsenal won’t win the league if they keep playing Merino as their centre-forward.”
Picture this: It’s 2028, is Viktor Gyokeres a prolific goalscorer at Arsenal?
Paul Merson is right, Viktor Gyokeres should start for Arsenal
Gyokeres seemed to be improving in every game for Arsenal before he got injured.
The Sweden international’s first-half performance against Burnley was definitely his best. He scored a goal and should’ve picked up another assist or two. Sadly, he had to be replaced at half-time due to a muscular issue.
That injury came at the worst possible time, but now that Gyokeres is back, he should be getting more game time in the coming weeks.
The clash against Wolves would be perfect for the striker.
If there’s any team in the Premier League against whom he could find his form, it’s Rob Edwards’ side, who sit rock bottom in the table and are destined to get relegated.
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