Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has been singled out for criticism from journalist Charles Watts after he failed to add anything to the team’s attack in the 0-0 draw with Everton at the weekend.
The Gunners were unable to capitalize on Liverpool dropping points against Fulham as they were also held at home, with Merino one of the main culprits it seemed impact negatively alongside Mikel Artetaplaying style of.
Speaking exclusively to Caught offside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Watts spoke about the disappointing draw and admitted he felt Merino didn’t really have that kind of impact many fans will have waited.
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Watts believes Arteta would have been better off using Ethan Nwaneri in the Merino role at the weekend, taking the pressure off Martin Odegaard to be the only real creative player in that midfield.
Mikel Merino put in a disappointing display for Arsenal
“I actually liked the look of the starting eleven when it was announced. It looked well balanced on both sides, with players all playing in their natural positions. But I think too many players had an off day,” he Watts said.
“You have to keep in mind that Everton played well. They were very well trained and you could see they had spent the last ten days working out exactly how they were going to frustrate Arsenal.
“They denied them space, especially down the right side and kept things so tight in central areas.
“But it was as much Arsenal playing badly as Everton playing well. Martin Odegaard didn’t look good and hasn’t in recent games and we know the impact he has on this Arsenal team.
“When Odegaard is involved, Arsenal are a completely different proposition. That’s undeniable. But when he’s absent or struggling for form, they simply don’t have anyone else who can replicate what he does.
“Mikel Merino played alongside him on Saturday and you can see he is still working his way into this Arsenal team. He didn’t do anything wrong against Everton, but he didn’t really add anything offensively.
“He was never a threat and you never felt he was going to be the person to open up the Everton defence.
“Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I would have preferred to see Mikel Arteta replace Merino with Ethan Nwaneri when the youngster came on early in the second half. Having Nwaneri and Odegaard operating side by side in those pockets up front of Everton’s back four would have given the visitors something a little different to think about.”
