November 1st 2024.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has been performing impressively this season, currently holding the third spot in the Premier League table. However, football pundit Paul Merson has raised concerns about their recent playing style, stating that they have been "sitting back too much" and urging Arteta to return to their entertaining, attacking approach.
Despite their promising position in the table, every game is deemed crucial for the Gunners as they aim to close the five-point gap between them and league leaders Manchester City. Merson believes that if they continue to sit back and defend, it may not end well for them, as seen in their 2-2 draws with City and Liverpool where they conceded late equalisers.
The former Arsenal player also pointed out their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth, where they were reduced to 10 men and ultimately lost due to their defensive tactics. Merson hopes that this change in strategy is only temporary and is due to the absence of key players.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson expressed his disappointment with their recent performance against Liverpool, stating that they were not as free-flowing as before. He believes that the old Arsenal was known for their entertaining style, but now they seem to be sitting back and relying on counter-attacks.
Merson also emphasized the importance of their upcoming games against Newcastle and Chelsea, stating that the Gunners must find a way to win both matches. With a number of key defenders out injured and captain Martin Odegaard still unavailable, Arsenal may struggle to create chances and score goals.
However, Merson still predicts a 2-1 win for his former team against Newcastle, despite their challenging circumstances. He acknowledges that Newcastle may pose a threat with players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, but believes that their defense is too open and can be exploited by a strong team like Arsenal.
Merson also mentions that Liverpool's recent victory over Brighton is a sign that they will continue their winning streak, making it even more crucial for Arsenal to secure all three points. He also expects Manchester City to defeat Bournemouth, making it essential for the Gunners to avoid any slip-ups.
In conclusion, Merson remains hopeful for Arsenal's success this season, but urges them to return to their entertaining style of play and secure crucial wins in the upcoming games. As an exclusive analysis and news platform, we will keep you updated on all the latest news and developments from Arsenal. Sign up now and stay informed.
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