Michael Owen has questioned Mikel Arteta's decision to bring on Mikel Merino during Arsenal's 3-0 win over Coventry City, saying he would have preferred to see Max Dowman given valuable minutes.
The defending champions opened their Premier League campaign with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard at the Emirates. Christos Tzolis impressed on his league debut, while new signing Ezri Konsa was paraded around the stadium before kick-off following his move from Aston Villa.
Owen's surprise at Merino substitution
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Owen said he was surprised that Merino, a World Cup winner, was brought on in the second half. He argued that Dowman, a young prospect, would have benefited more from the experience.
'So many great players on the bench, they're all household names,' Owen said. 'But there is one player [Dowman] that you think, come on, give him a bit of experience. What's the point of bringing Merino on?'
'He's played in the World Cup, he's not had much rest. Bring Max Dowman on and give him more experience, more confidence.'
Owen's confidence in Arsenal's title defence
Despite his concerns over the substitutions, Owen said it was hard to see anyone catching Arsenal at the top of the table. He described the team as 'a machine, a well-oiled machine' and said they have 'an embarrassment of riches'.
'When you look at the strengths of that team, and you look at other teams that have been champions, you can't see the wheels coming off Arsenal,' he said. 'They're so structured, they're so good defensively, they've got such a good goalkeeper, they don't give anything away.'
Owen added that he expects Arsenal to post a 'really solid figure' in the league this season, possibly in the late 80s or even 90 points, which he believes 'will take some catching'.
Arsenal travel to face Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Villa Park next Monday.
