Arsenal star ‘too casual’ to start after ‘ballistic’ response vs Man Utd; Arteta told to drop pair for ‘biggest game’ | OneFootball

Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to make two changes to his Arsenal team for what he believes could be a title decider at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Gunners haven’t won any of their last three games, with defeat at Manchester United following draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Leeds meanwhile have lost just one of their last 11 games, beating Chelsea and drawing with Liverpool and Manchester United in that run to lift them out of the relegation zone.

Merson described the upcoming clash of the “biggest of the season” for Arsenal and believes Arteta should bring Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli back into the starting lineup ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.

“This is the game, isn’t it? Leeds away won’t be easy, no doubt it,” former Gunners winger Merson told Sportskeeda.

“Playing first makes a huge difference this weekend. If Arsenal win, they go seven points clear at the top and Manchester City still have to go to Tottenham. That is not a bad state to be in.

“There are still 14 games left after this clash against Leeds and I believe Arsenal are not feeling the nerves just yet. The equation changes if they lose, but I expect them to get a crucial win here.

“Leeds were outstanding in the first half against Everton last weekend. I don’t think they will put 10 men behind the ball in this game. I fully expect Leeds to have a go at Arsenal.

“When Eberechi Eze came on against Manchester United last weekend, the Arsenal fans were going ballistic. I assume most of them felt he was being very casual on the ball.

“But that’s just the way he plays and it’s not his fault! The thing with Eze is that he’s a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball and I think the fans need to give him time.

“I mean no disrespect to Palace, but it’s not the same when you join Arsenal. The pressure is always on you and I believe Eze is still getting used to it. I hope they give him time.

“Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli should come into the starting line-up for this game. Leandro Trossard will give you a bit of guile, but I think Martinelli’s pace will be really useful against Leeds.

“Everybody has to step up, even the defence let in three goals last time out. This is Arsenal’s biggest game of the season. If they lose and the lead comes down to a single point, I don’t think they win the league!

“So this is a humungous game and I’m predicting a very crucial 2-0 win for the visitors.”