Hello again Gooner! Here’s my perspective on the ungrade on Xhaka who ‘don’t give it you’. As Arsenal fans navigate the highs and lows of a new season, the spotlight falls on Mikel Merino,the club's summer signing tasked with filling the void left by Granit Xhaka. Five months into his tenure,Merino finds himself at the center of a swirling debate among supporters.
His performance during the recent 1-1 draw at Brighton, despite assisting Ethan Nwaneri's goal,has sparked a flurry of criticism on social media, reflecting the intense scrutiny surrounding his role in the team. The left-sided midfield position has been a puzzle for Arsenal since Xhaka's departure to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. Initially, Kai Havertz was tried in the role but eventually moved up front.
Declan Rice briefly held the position with some success, but the acquisition of Merino was intended to be a long-term solution. Known as a 'duel monster' for his impressive defensive stats at Real Sociedad, Merino has not disappointed in this regard,leading Arsenal in tackles in the final third, aerial duels,and blocks per 90 minutes. However, his on-ball contributions have raised concerns among fans.
Merino's progressive passing stats trail behind those of his midfield counterparts, possibly due to a disrupted pre-season and a shoulder injury that postponed his debut until October. Alternatively,it might be time for fans to recognize that a successful team comprises diverse players, each offering unique strengths. Mikel Arteta himself acknowledges that Merino's strengths lie in his physicality and ability to win duels rather than his playmaking skills.
Some supporters argue that Arsenal should have sought a more creative midfielder, such as Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze,to address the team's attacking challenges. Nonetheless, Arteta remains steadfast in his belief that Merino is well-suited to the squad's needs. As the season progresses,the pivotal question is whether Merino will silence his critics or if Arsenal will regret not opting for a more imaginative force in midfield.
**Toon Army's Take: Been There,Done That** The arrival of Mikel Merino at Arsenal has not gone unnoticed by Newcastle United supporters, who recall his less-than-stellar stint at St. James' Park during the 2017/18 season. After leaving Newcastle and finding success at Real Sociedad, Merino's current struggles at Arsenal,particularly in contributing to the team's attack, evoke a sense of déjà vu for the Toon Army.
While Merino's physical prowess and ability to win duels were evident on Tyneside, doubts about his consistency and adaptability lingered. Now,as some Arsenal fans clamor for a more creative midfield presence, Newcastle supporters watch with a blend of amusement and vindication. They've witnessed this narrative before and are intrigued to see if Merino can finally prove his critics wrong or if history will repeat itself in north London. The stage is set for Merino to make his mark.
Who knows, perhaps he'll even score the winner against his former club, leaving the doubters in awe. As the season unfolds,both Gooners and the Toon Army will be watching closely, eager to see which path Merino's journey will take. If you don’t believe him just watch him score against the Magpies! Adios amigos!