Paul Merson Claims Arteta Still Can't Solve Arsenal's Striker Dilemma
Arsenal continued their impressive Premier League campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. However, former Gunners star Paul Merson insists that manager Mikel Arteta has yet to resolve a critical issue within his squad.
The Striker Conundrum Persists
Despite Arsenal sitting nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table and being strong favourites to win the title, Merson believes Arteta still cannot fix the team's striker selection problem. The North London club's dominant position ahead of their crucial clash with Liverpool on Sunday has not masked this persistent tactical challenge.
In Saturday's match against Sunderland, Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to score twice after Martin Zubimendi's opener. Gyokeres now has 13 goals across all competitions this season, but his campaign has been inconsistent. He replaced Gabriel Jesus against Sunderland, highlighting what Merson sees as Arteta's ongoing struggle to choose his starting forward.
Merson's Analysis of Arteta's Selection Headache
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson explained: "He just can't get it right at the moment Arteta with what to do. If he plays Jesus like he did against Manchester United and he struggled. Then the week after he plays Gyokeres and he struggles then Jesus comes on. This time Jesus plays, he struggles then Gyokeres comes on and scores."
Merson continued: "It's a real hard one in terms of what to do at the moment because whoever starts doesn't really perform, it's the one who comes on as sub. Both of them are very hardworking, they grind down defenders. When the other one comes on with 20 minutes to go the centre halves are tired and beaten up."
Havertz Earns Praise in Midfield Role
One player who has impressed recently is Kai Havertz. The German international has scored twice since returning from a knee injury, including the decisive goal against Chelsea that secured Arsenal's place in the Carabao Cup final. Against Sunderland, Havertz was deployed in midfield due to Mikel Merino's absence, and Merson was full of praise for his performance.
"It's just his calmness on the ball," said Merson. "With him in midfield, they don't have a lot of goalscorers in there so you put him there he gives you those goals. He's very calm, very relaxed, picks out Gyokeres for his first goal. He's a good footballer."
Looking Ahead to Arsenal's Fixtures
Arsenal will aim to maintain their title push this week with a Premier League match against Brentford, followed by an FA Cup fourth-round clash against League One side Wigan Athletic. Despite their commanding league position, Merson's comments suggest that Arteta's striker selection dilemma could become increasingly significant as the season reaches its climax.
The Gunners' attacking options have delivered results, but the consistency of their starting forwards remains a point of discussion. As Arsenal prepare for their crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on whether Arteta can finally settle on a preferred striking option or if the rotation between Jesus and Gyokeres will continue to define their approach.
