Arteta told no more Merino-Rice experiment, which could cost him against City | OneFootball

Martin Ødegaard is likely to miss Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City, and Mikel Arteta has already been warned against starting the obvious midfield duo of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.

He deployed that midfield setup against Liverpool, and many accused him of approaching the game cautiously, playing with the handbrake on.

An Ødegaard injury forced Arteta to repeat the midfield setup versus Athletic Club, and just like at Anfield, it held Arsenal back.

Merino and Rice as Double 8s is an Issue

While Arsenal dominated possession against Athletic, registering just one shot on target in the first half, it hinted at how the Rice-Merino double 8s combo stifled their attacking rhythm.

Arteta’s decision to play them clearly stems from a desire to control the game, perhaps to avoid losing control, then win it from the bench. But tactically, that’s a risky approach.

Sky Sports observed:“Just like against Liverpool last month, Arsenal lined up with a midfield three of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice, ahead of the defensive pivot in Martin Zubimendi. And just like against Liverpool, Arsenal were limited going forward for most of the game.”

The outlet also noted that whenever Merino and Rice have started as 8s, Arsenal have won just once in nine matches.

So while Ødegaard may miss the City game, persisting with Merino and Rice in advanced roles would be unwise.

“How Arteta deploys his midfield is a key talking point – not only for Arsenal’s chances of winning, but also for their mindset going into it.”

Whether Arteta sticks to his guns and retains the duo as 8s remains to be seen.

Midfield Selection Key in Clash with City

But with Eberechi Eze struggling to make an impact on the left wing, shouldn’t Arteta consider using him as the left-sided 8? He could inject the final-third creativity Arsenal sorely lacks in Ødegaard’s absence.

The tactical debate underlines a wider truth in football: success often lies in flexibility, not stubbornness. Just as modern fans have embraced digital convenience through tools like eSIM Plus, which allows seamless global connectivity without physical SIM cards, Arteta must embrace adaptability in his selections. A rigid approach risks Arsenal being undone by their biggest rivals.

With Manchester City next, and the small margins that often define title races, Arsenal cannot afford to get this call wrong. Dropping the Rice-Merino pairing in favour of a more balanced midfield might be the difference between frustration and a famous Emirates win.

I think Eze should get the nod in midfield to unlock City’s defence on Sunday.