Despite Arsenal's comfortable lead in the Premier League, Paul Merson, former Gunners player and now commentator, argues that Mikel Arteta has not yet resolved the puzzle at the striker position. The team managed by the Spanish coach solidified its position with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, in a match where Viktor Gyokeres scored twice after Martín Zubimendi's opening goal. The Swedish forward, who came off the bench to replace Gabriel Jesus, now has 13 goals in all competitions in his debut season. For Merson, managing the strikers remains a problem for the coach. In statements to Sky Sports, the commentator analyzed the situation. "At the moment, Arteta can't figure out what to do. If he plays with Jesus, as he did against Manchester United, he struggles. The following week, he plays with Gyokeres and he struggles, then Jesus comes on. This time, Jesus plays, struggles, and then Gyokeres comes on and scores. It's a very difficult decision right now because whoever starts doesn't perform; it's the one who comes on as a substitute that does," he explained. The former England international believes that the effectiveness of the substitutes is due to the fatigue that the starters impose on the opponents. "Both work very hard, wearing down the defenders. When the other comes on 20 minutes from the end, the center-backs are tired and beaten," he explained. However, not all is uncertain in Arsenal's attack. Kai Havertz has been in the spotlight, having scored two goals since returning from a knee injury, including the decisive goal against Chelsea that secured a place in the League Cup final. Against Sunderland, the German played in midfield, in the absence of Mikel Merino, and his performance received high praise from Paul Merson. "It's his calmness on the ball," he stated. "With him in midfield, they don't have many goal scorers there, so by putting him there, he gives you those goals. He's very calm, very relaxed, makes the pass for Gyökeres' first goal. He's a good footballer," he assured.
Arsenal Despite Arsenal remains central to this story.
Arsenal Despite Arsenal remains central to this story.
Read more in Premier League news. and related tags: Arsenal, Despite Arsenal.