Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was criticized by journalist Charles Watts after failing to add anything to his team’s attack in the weekend’s 0-0 draw with Everton.
The Gunners were unable to capitalize on Liverpool’s drop in points against Fulham as they were also held at home, with Merino appearing to be the main culprit in negatively affecting the style of play of Mikel Arteta’s side. One of the culprits.
Exclusive statement Offside In his latest Daily Briefing column, Watts discusses the disappointing draw results and admits he doesn’t think merino wool has really had the impact many fans were hoping for.
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Watts believes Arteta would be better off using Ethan Nwaneri in Merino’s role at the weekend, relieving Martin Odegaard of being the only real creative player in midfield pressure.
Mikel Merino’s disappointing performance at Arsenal
“I actually liked the look of the starting lineup when it was announced. Both sides looked balanced and guys were playing in their natural positions. But I just thought too many guys had an off day,” Watts said.
“It has to be said that Everton played well. They were well-coached and you could see they have been working on how to frustrate Arsenal over the last ten days.
“They took away their space, especially on the right-hand side, and made things so tight in the middle area.
“But Arsenal are playing poorly as much as Everton are playing well. Martin Odegaard hasn’t looked quite right and he hasn’t been performing well in the last few games and we know that has a negative impact on Arsenal. What an impact.
“Arsenal are a completely different proposition when Odegaard is on the pitch. That’s undeniable. But when he’s absent or out of form, they have no one else who can replicate what he does.
“Mikel Merino played alongside him on Saturday and you could see he’s still trying to break into this Arsenal team. He didn’t do anything wrong against Everton but he didn’t Really adding anything offensively.
“He was never a real threat and you never felt like he was going to be the one 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 early in the second half when the youngster came on. Jean Vanery and Odegaard playing side by side in front of Everton’s back four will give the visiting team something different to think about.”
