Jamie Carragher fears that Mikel Arteta is facing the ‘interesting decision’ of picking between Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino, but it’s clear who must start for Arsenal.
Gyokeres has been sidelined since the start of November with a hamstring injury, but he made his long-awaited return at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old was forced to watch on as Merino added to his goal tally for the Gunners to salvage a point in SW6.
Carragher has now been discussing the number nine situation at Arsenal and fears Mikel Arteta could have to make a tough call on Gyokeres.
Jamie Carragher weighs in on Mikel Merino vs Viktor Gyokeres debate
Jamie Carragher now thinks that Arteta faces an ‘interesting decision’ picking between Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino as his striker.
However, the former Premier League defender suggests that it’s going to be tough to leave out Merino, who has been ‘absolutely outstanding’ for the Gunners.
The Spanish attacker now has six goal contributions in all competitions for Arsenal, and he produced another clutch header for Arteta’s team.
Mikel Merino proving why Arsenal fans cannot underestimate him… ⚽️🔥
“It’d be really interesting how long it takes before Mikel Arteta puts him fully back into the team, or whether he sticks with Merino in that position because he’s been absolutely outstanding when Gyokeres has been out,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
Ahead of the London derby, Gyokeres faced a late fitness test but was cleared to take on the Blues and was handed 18 minutes off the bench.
Overall, it was a quiet cameo except for when Jurrien Timber snatched away from Gyokeres the chance to score the winner as he beat the Swede to a header.
After the game, Theo Walcott claimed Merino should start ahead of Gyokeres, and the former Arsenal winger is spot on.
Mikel Arteta cannot drop Mikel Merino at Arsenal
Quite simply, Arteta cannot drop Merino from the team or underestimate the importance of the Spaniard in his team.
One player Merino is helping to really unlock is Eberechi Eze, with the pair interchanging between the attack and midfield.
Mikel Merino’s impressive record in 2025!
Mikel Merino has 28 goal contributions for club and country in 2025 
Surely Merino has just proved he is Arsenal’s first-choice number nine? Who are you picking, Arsenal fans… Let us know!
The 29-year-old drifts around the attack and will then drop deep to allow Eze to pick up the pockets of space in more advanced areas.
It didn’t quite work against Chelsea, more so at home to Spurs, but another goal from Merino further highlights his importance.
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