Arsenal Fans Are In Agreement About Mikel Merino’s Display Against Crystal Palace In The Carabao Cup

Mikel Merino has not made a great start to life at the Emirates and his display against Southampton has supporters discussing his contribution to the team....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤

Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace as the Gunners came from behind. Gabriel Jesus finally returned to the scoresheet and did so in style as he netted a hat trick against the Eagles.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side took until the second 45 minutes to get going in North London with several players disappointing. But one of their summer signings had a particularly frustrating evening.

Arsenal fans unsure over Mikel Merino’s start to life under Arteta

Arsenal became increasingly frustrated with the performance of Mikel Merino against Southampton as the midfielder struggled. The Spaniard was signed to keep the Gunners ticking in midfielder, but instead, they look sluggish when he’s featured.

Arteta was keen to land Merino last summer and following lengthy negations he was signed for £31 million from Real Sociedad. His time at the Emirates got off to a terrible start after he suffered a bad shoulder injury which kept him out for a while.

But, three months on from his arrival from Spain, the Euro 2024 winner is yet to make his mark on this Arsenal team. During the clash with the South London club, Arsenal fans took to X to vent their frustration towards the 28-year-old.

“No wonder Mikel Merino has great stats for his passing. Always passing back or sideways and safe. Never a forward pass,” stated an Arsenal fan.

Another supporter claimed: “We have Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling. Two of our new signings in this game and we are still struggling? When are we going to accept the truth about Arteta?”

“There’s people out there who think I’m harsh on Merino. I’m sorry but he’s always been too slow with no pace or energy. Why Arteta was so obsessed with signing him will always be a complete mystery to me,” vented one supporter.

There was yet another Arsenal fan who was left questioning Merino’s contribution: “Everyone said that Mikel Merino is all that, what has he done since joining besides some passes?”

Mikel Merino loses possession 12 times vs Southampton

Merino did not cover himself in glory in the Carabao Cup clash as he managed to lose possession on 12 occasions. The former Newcastle man also completed just 68 percent of his passes on a frustrating night.

Arteta may need to think about altering his midfield when the two teams meet again on the weekend with Merino dropping to the bench. ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤