Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has publicly called on manager Mikel Arteta to make two significant changes to his starting lineup ahead of this weekend's pivotal Premier League encounter against Leeds United. The Gunners travel to Elland Road on Saturday looking to reignite their title challenge after a recent dip in form.
Arsenal's Title Charge at a Critical Juncture
The league leaders have stumbled through three consecutive disappointing performances, failing to fully capitalise on Manchester City's own struggles earlier this month. While City dropped points in four successive games, Arsenal could only manage draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before suffering a defeat to Manchester United.
Merson has described the upcoming fixture as Arsenal's 'biggest of the season' so far and urged the entire squad to 'step up' for what promises to be a challenging away day. Leeds United have transformed their fortunes since December, losing just once in eleven matches while securing impressive results against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Merson's Recommended Changes
The former Gunners winger believes Arteta should recall both Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli to the starting eleven after both were relegated to the bench against Manchester United. In their place, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard started the previous match.
'Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli should come into the starting line-up for this game,' Merson told Sportskeeda. 'Leandro Trossard will give you a bit of guile, but I think Martinelli's pace will be really useful against Leeds.'
Merson expressed confidence that Arsenal would return to winning ways at Elland Road but emphasised the game's importance: 'This is the game, isn't it? Leeds away won't be easy, no doubt it. Playing first makes a huge difference this weekend. If Arsenal win, they go seven points clear at the top and Manchester City still have to go to Tottenham.'
The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher
With fourteen games remaining after this weekend's clash, Merson believes Arsenal aren't feeling the pressure yet, but warned: 'The equation changes if they lose. If they lose and the lead comes down to a single point, I don't think they win the league!'
The pundit also addressed fan criticism of summer signing Eberechi Eze, urging patience: 'The thing with Eze is that he's a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball and I think the fans need to give him time. I mean no disrespect to Palace, but it's not the same when you join Arsenal. The pressure is always on you.'
Merson highlighted defensive concerns too, noting: 'Everybody has to step up, even the defence let in three goals last time out.' He predicted a 'crucial 2-0 win for the visitors' in what he described as a 'humungous game' for Arsenal's title aspirations.
European Success Provides Momentum
Arsenal enter this crucial domestic fixture buoyed by European success, having completed a flawless Champions League group phase with a 3-2 victory over Kairat on Wednesday night. Summer signing Gyokeres opened the scoring in that match, with Martinelli and Kai Havertz also finding the net.
Arteta's side won all eight of their European games, topping their group and advancing directly to the knockout stages. This continues their strong European form from last season, when they reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners PSG.
As the Premier League title race intensifies, all eyes will be on Elland Road this Saturday to see whether Arteta heeds Merson's advice and whether Arsenal can reassert their authority at the top of the table.
