Although Kai Havertz is now one of Arsenal’s most important players, he suffered a torrid first few months in north London.
Mikel Arteta was playing Havertz out of position as a number eight, trying to inspire a new chapter for the German international at Arsenal.
However, after months of struggles and criticism, Arteta eventually admitted defeat and tried Havertz as a false nine – the role he enjoyed his best moments in for Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen.
Now, Havertz is being compared to Thierry Henry at Arsenal in terms of his importance and ability to drag his side forward.
But to tell a player that they’ve had a similar start to Havertz at Arsenal is still not a compliment – sentiments now heading in the direction of Mikel Merino.
Mikel Merino sums up his Arsenal career so far against Inter Milan
Following his first half performance on Wednesday evening, Italian media labelled Merino as a ‘flop’.
Merino cost Arsenal £28m this summer, a deal that looked like a very clever signing at the time.
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And that still is the case, the Spaniard has all the time in the world to come good at Arsenal, after all he’s only played 422 minutes for the club.
But all considered it’s been a poor start for the 28-year-old who is someone who Arteta must have hoped could hit the ground running.
Merino doesn’t deserve too much blame for conceding a penalty at San Siro, Martin Keown thought it was a harsh decision, but the midfielder’s first touch was worrying all night.
After subbing him at half-time Arteta admitted that Merino had been ill over the last few days, but that shouldn’t be an excuse given he was picked to start.
Arsenal fans need to stay patient with Merino despite struggles
Rather than this being a piece hammering into Merino, it will hopefully serve as a reminder to Arsenal fans that they should afford the Spaniard time and patience – no one wants a repeat of the relentless Havertz criticism.
Merino has started poorly, but he deserves to be judged at the end of the season – not in November.
Moreover, Arsenal supporters should still be buoyed by the prospect of Merino playing alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield once all three are available.
It would seem that Arteta still envisions that as his strongest combination long-term, even if Thomas Partey would be unlucky to miss out based on his form.
That being said, Arsenal are open to offering Partey a new contract, and the midfielder may even sign on for two more years.
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