Fewer passes than Raya: Arteta must now immediately drop 6/10 Arsenal man after Everton -opinion

was fewer than even goalkeeper David Raya (22) managed.

Merino vs Everton

Minutes played

69

Touches

37

Accurate passes

19/23 (83%)

Key passes

2

Accurate crosses

1/3

Accurate long balls

0/1

Shots

1

Successful dribbles

1/1

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

2/3

Tackles

1

Interceptions

0

Stats via Sofascore.Truth be told, Merino offered so little in possession that it was alarming with just two key passes and a single shot. He also lost the ball nine times in a game where he looked restricted in his ability to evade the press and keep the team ticking over. It was hardly a surprise, therefore, to see him earn a rather average 6/10 match rating from Football.London come full-time.

A look at his heat map also tells you that he needed to do more. The Spain international wasn’t required much inside his own half but also didn’t show a great deal on the edge of his own area, failing to offer the much-desired qualities Arsenal have been after since Granit Xhaka’s departure.

Mikel-Merino-Ashley-Young

As a result, it would not be a surprise if Arteta dropped his summer signing back to the bench for their clash with Crystal Palace next week.

While on paper a trio of Declan Rice, Merino and Odegaard should work, a more tried and tested configuration that involves Jorginho or Thomas Partey might be wiser.

Arsenal-Odegaard-Everton-McNeil

Related