Paul Merson Mikel Arteta urged to drop £32m star and to revamp Arsenal’s attack ahead of the champions League clash against PSV.
Mikel Arteta urged to drop £32m star
As Arsenal prepares to take on PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter, former Gunner Paul Merson has provided strong advice to manager Mikel Arteta.
The upcoming match, scheduled for Tuesday night, has significant ramifications for Arsenal’s aspirations this season, being their last viable opportunity for silverware following exits from both domestic competitions.
Injury Concerns and Offensive Woes
With Arsenal currently grappling with an injury crisis, their attacking options have been severely limited. Mikel Merino, typically a midfielder, has been deployed as a makeshift striker. Merson has expressed his bewilderment at this tactical decision.
“I can’t get my head around that one,” he stated, advocating for Raheem Sterling to take the lead instead. Despite a shaky start following his loan move from Chelsea, Merson believes Sterling could prove more threatening to opposing defenders.
Merson’s Cautious Outlook on PSV Tie
Merson recognized the potential difficulty of the upcoming match, referring to it as a “tricky tie.” He mentioned, “This would be a nice draw for Arsenal if they had a full team, but with no firepower now, I don’t see them blowing PSV away.” The Gunners have struggled for goals, failing to score in their last two fixtures, raising concerns about their attacking efficiency.
The Need for a Striker Strategy Shift
Highlighting the urgency for a change, Merson pointed to Sterling’s experience in front of goal. “At least Sterling’s played up there before,” he argued. He remains skeptical about Merino’s effectiveness as a centre-forward and insists that the English international’s lively presence would be a better fit against PSV.
Arsenal’s Title Aspirations vs. Champions League Hopes
Despite the Premier League title slipping further from reach—currently sitting 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool—Merson still believes Arsenal has a more feasible path to success in the league than in Europe. “The title race is gone and this is their season now, but even after this, they’re right up against it,” Merson added, emphasizing the challenges that lie ahead.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Looking beyond the PSV match, Merson addressed the formidable opponents Arsenal could face in the latter stages of the Champions League, such as Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid. He warned that a single poor performance could end their campaign prematurely, stating, “A bad 45 minutes could send you out of the competition. I don’t see Arsenal blowing anybody away in 45 minutes.”
As the Gunners gear up for this crucial Champions League fixture, Merson’s insights reflect the mounting pressure on Mikel Arteta to find an effective game plan, particularly in light of their current attacking frailties. Arsenal’s progression in Europe is in the balance, and a strategic pivot could hold the key to their chances.