Arsenal have relied on Mikel Merino for goals since Kai Havertz suffered an injury, with the Spaniard stepping up to play as a false nine. He initially made an impact in this unfamiliar role, scoring twice off the bench when he first attempted it. However, since being named in the starting line-up, he has been unable to replicate that early form.
The Gunners struggled in front of the goal, and the 1-1 draw against Manchester United was another frustrating result in their pursuit of the Premier League title. While they are still mathematically in contention, closing the gap on an in-form Liverpool side seems increasingly unlikely. A lack of goals has been a recurring issue, and the absence of a recognised striker has significantly hindered their attacking play.
Wayne Rooney has weighed in on Arsenal’s situation, arguing that Merino cannot provide what a true striker would bring to the team. He believes that while the Spaniard possesses qualities that can contribute to the attack, he lacks the instinctive goal-scoring ability that a natural centre-forward offers.
He stated, as quoted by Mirror Football:
“A proper number nine – a forward who has played there his whole life – brings something different to any team.
“I am talking about that natural goalscoring instinct, which a player who is trying to learn the position probably doesn’t have. A midfielder playing forward like Merino can get hold of the ball and bring others into play, but what a goalscorer brings is that selfishness of wanting to be in the penalty area to finish chances.”
Arsenal’s reliance on a makeshift striker has contributed to their struggles in front of goal, and it is evident that a long-term solution is needed. While Merino has filled the role to the best of his ability, he is not a natural centre-forward, and his limitations in that position have been exposed.
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
Arteta sticks with Merino and he has given us nothing. We would be better blooding a young striker but none in view anywhere? At least they would play like a striker.
He has the touch of an Elephant and the brains of a donkey.
I agree, surely a forward out of the academy would do a better job than playing someone out of position. Striker is a specialist position.
Reggie
The problem is with all the injuries Arteta still continues to play his 4-3-3 inverted, possession obsession Artetaball, regardless of the players at his disposal.
Horses for courses comes to mind, but Arteta is so system oriented that he can’t or has not shown he can adapt and change his system and tactics, hence makeshift players going through the motions in his Artetaball system.
Don’t believe Arteta will coach to the strength of his players, but continue to slot players into his system of play.
Correct!!! No difference in tactics formation etc even though players are not suited to that system. Rigid, football by numbers and it doesn’t work.
Arsenal had failed to score in the Pl in the previous 2 games when teams were defending so it looks like Merino wasn’t the answer. I was expecting Martinelli to replace him in the second half as this was first game that Arteta had this option available. Changing out Nwaneri just meant more of the same and surprise surprise it didn’t work out. However that is a side issue as it was a disappointing performance after Wednesdays fantastic CL win. Why aren’t we using our squad in the starting line up: Ben White, Kiwior, Jorginho, Zinchenko etc against a poor Man Utd team. Our players looked tired ( not surprisingly) in the 2nd half and yet no starting team changes are made.
Perfect opportunity against PSV to play a young striker. We don’t need to win, don’t need to score, don’t need to play Merino. No pressure game. But will he?