Arsenal's Odegaard Crucial for Chelsea Clash After Champions League Setback
LONDON, 8th November - Following Arsenal's disappointing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Inter Milan, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has urged manager Mikel Arteta to start Martin Odegaard in the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea. The game, set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, could prove pivotal for Arsenal's title aspirations.
Merson emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "If Liverpool and Manchester City both win their matches, Arsenal will be trailing by a significant margin, making this game against Chelsea a must-win." He suggested that Odegaard's creativity and skill in threading passes could be the difference maker against a Chelsea side known for its defensive solidity.
The columnist also reflected on Arsenal's performance against Inter, noting that despite dominating possession, the Gunners lacked the decisive touch in the final third. "They earned the right around Europe, but teams will sit back, and they need someone like Odegaard to put the ball through the eye of the needle," Merson added.
Moreover, Merson criticized the refereeing decisions in the Inter game, particularly highlighting a non-awarded penalty when Yann Sommer collided with an Arsenal player. "It is phenomenal how one is a penalty, and one is not," he remarked, questioning the effectiveness and reliability of VAR at the highest level.
Concerns Over Arsenal's Sporting Director Edu
In another segment, Merson raised concerns about the potential impact of Edu Gaspar's departure from Arsenal, drawing parallels with the exit of former vice-chairman David Dein. "The quality of player they brought in was phenomenal while he was at the club," Merson noted, expressing hope that the club's transfer strategy does not suffer a similar fate as it did post-Dein.
Looking Ahead: Manchester United's Managerial Challenges
Merson also touched on Manchester United's current managerial conundrum, particularly the suitability of Ruben Amorim, who is rumored to be in the running for the job. He pointed out the tactical mismatch between Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation and United's current squad composition, especially in terms of lacking suitable wing-backs.
Manchester City's Midfield Conundrum
With Manchester City facing a challenging run of fixtures, Merson believes Pep Guardiola will need to find a solution to cover the absence of Rodri, whose role in the team's build-up play is pivotal. "Without Rodri, it will be difficult," Merson stated, although he remains confident that Guardiola will navigate through this period.
Liverpool's Unwavering Form
Lastly, Merson praised Liverpool's resilience under Arne Slot, noting their ability to secure victories even when not at their best. "They keep on going and keep winning," he said, dismissing any suggestions that their form might falter soon.
As Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea, all eyes will be on Odegaard and how Arteta utilizes his squad to ensure they remain in the race for the Premier League title.