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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a tough decision to make ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City, as he grapples with a growing concern in midfield involving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
The Gunners secured a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao earlier this week, with substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard making the difference off the bench — a testament to Arsenal’s increasing squad depth and attacking firepower.
But the key question remains: why were they needed at all?
Midfield Lacking Creativity
Despite controlling large portions of the match and facing minimal pressure from the hosts — Athletic registered 11 shots, only two of which troubled David Raya — Arsenal struggled to create meaningful opportunities for much of the game.
Much of that came down to their midfield setup. As seen in previous fixtures, Arteta once again paired Declan Rice and Mikel Merino as advanced No. 8s, ahead of Martin Zubimendi in the holding role.
It’s a combination that has yet to fully click.
Just like in last month’s draw against Liverpool, the Rice–Merino axis appeared too rigid, limiting Arsenal’s attacking fluidity and link-up play in the final third. Neither player naturally fills the creative void left when Martin Ødegaard is absent or deeper in midfield.
Stats Paint a Cautionary Picture
The numbers don’t lie:
In the Premier League, Arsenal have started Rice and Merino together as No. 8s nine times.
They’ve won just one of those matches — a 4-0 win over a struggling Ipswich Town side. Even that victory came under low pressure, with Champions League progression already secured.
What It Means Ahead of City Showdown
With Manchester City arriving at the Emirates this weekend, Arteta must weigh his midfield options carefully. The defending champions are ruthless at punishing sides that lack midfield cohesion — and if Arsenal struggle to transition quickly from defence to attack, it could prove costly.
Arteta’s squad has improved in terms of depth and versatility, but his midfield combinations — especially in high-stakes games — remain under the microscope.
The manager must now decide whether to persist with the Rice–Merino pairing or bring in a more attack-minded midfielder to balance out the structure and provide the creative spark that could tip the scales in Arsenal’s favour.
