Arsenal icon Ian Wright has called out midfielder Mikel Merino following Arsenal’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
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Wright expressed frustration with Merino’s performance, noting that the Spanish international “wasn’t tight enough in and around the midfield,” a shortfall that contributed to Arsenal’s lackluster display.
Newcastle forward Alexander Isak headed in the game’s only goal in the 14th minute, leaving Arsenal unable to respond meaningfully.
The Gunners, who finished second last season, have yet to find the right momentum this year, and their struggles continued as they failed to put Newcastle under pressure, managing only one shot on target.
Despite their loss, Arsenal caught a slight break as title rivals Manchester City later suffered their first defeat in 33 games to Bournemouth.
In the absence of Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s creative force in midfield, Mikel Arteta’s side has lacked playmaking depth.
Merino, Arsenal’s £32 million summer signing from Real Sociedad, has yet to make a strong impact in the Premier League. He was substituted in the 60th minute for academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, but Arsenal’s struggles persisted.
Wright, providing analysis on Premier League Productions, noted Merino’s adaptation issues. “Merino doesn’t look up to speed yet,” Wright observed. “Odegaard’s absence has hurt, but Merino’s not yet filling that void as he’s still adjusting to the English game.”
Wright highlighted Arsenal’s tepid play, saying, “Ten games in, we should not be as ineffective. We’re not creating enough or putting the opposition under enough pressure.”
Arsenal’s former star also pointed out that the club can’t continue to use Odegaard’s absence as an excuse.
“It’s frustrating, and it feels this way because we know how hard it is to chase Manchester City,” Wright said. “One shot on target against Bournemouth, one shot on target today. It’s simply not good enough for a team in a title race.”
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed Wright’s sentiments post-match, acknowledging the struggle without Odegaard.
“We can discuss Odegaard’s absence all day,” Arteta stated. “We haven’t had him for six weeks, but we have other solutions we need to explore. We need to look at ourselves and improve.”
Arsenal will need to regroup quickly as they face Inter Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday.
A win could restore confidence before an intense London derby with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next weekend. The Gunners must find form soon if they are to stay in the title chase.
