Arsenal are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League right now. But former Gunner Paul Merson reckons manager Mikel Arteta might have a trust problem with two of his key players.
The north Londoners have been brilliant this season, topping their Champions League group and leading the domestic title race. With Manchester City breathing down their necks though, they'll need everyone firing on all cylinders.
Arteta recently told his squad to stay calm and focused. "We have to live in the present and the present is beautiful," he said. "We are exactly where we want to be in every competition."
Merson Questions Arteta's Faith in Star Duo
Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Merson raised concerns about whether Arteta truly believes in Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. Both players smashed in braces against Tottenham in the recent north London derby, looking absolutely brilliant together.
"If these two hit fire until the end of the season, Arsenal win the league," Merson declared. "If they can go and be 8/10 every week." That's music to the ears of anyone backing Arsenal for the title, as the odds heavily favor teams with form strikers.
But here's the problem. When asked if Arteta actually trusts them, Merson was blunt: "No, I don't think he does."
The pundit pointed out how Arteta seems to drop players after single mistakes. Riccardo Calafiori had one nightmare game and disappeared from the team. Eze got caught out against Aston Villa's Matty Cash and barely played again.
"You've got to give them a chance, trust in them more, these players," Merson argued. "I don't think he does that enough." For those betting on Arsenal's title chances, the manager's rotation policy could be a crucial factor down the stretch.
Awkward Sporting Reunion on the Cards
Meanwhile, Gyokeres could face an uncomfortable Champions League reunion with Sporting CP. The Swedish striker joined Arsenal last summer for £64 million after a messy departure from Portugal.
Gyokeres actually refused to return to pre-season training at Sporting, trying to force through his move. The saga got pretty heated on social media too.
Now both clubs could meet in the Champions League quarter-finals if they get past their round of 16 opponents. Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen while Sporting take on Bodo-Glimt.
Sporting's manager Rui Borges insisted there's no bad blood, saying he wishes Gyokeres "the best of luck in the world." But he added that any well-wishes would obviously stop if they meet in Europe. That would make for some spicy viewing and potentially tricky odds for the tie.
The bottom line? Arsenal have the squad to win it all this season. But whether Arteta can get the best out of everyone consistently remains the big question.
