Arsenal icon Ian Wright criticized Mikel Merino’s performance after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle, pointing out that the midfielder “wasn’t tight enough in and around the midfield.” In the match, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak scored with a powerful header in the 14th minute, and Arsenal struggled to mount a meaningful response, resulting in another underwhelming away performance.
The Gunners, last season’s Premier League runners-up, were somewhat fortunate that title contenders Manchester City also slipped, losing their first game in 33 matches to Bournemouth later that same day.
Arsenal’s midfield has clearly missed the creativity of Martin Ødegaard, who has been sidelined with an injury. Mikel Arteta is hopeful that his captain will be fit for the upcoming London derby against Chelsea, as Arsenal has lacked an effective playmaker in his absence.
Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £32 million, failed to make an impact in the attacking third at St James’ Park. He was substituted with 30 minutes remaining, with academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri brought on in his place.
Commenting on the match for Premier League Productions, Wright observed that Merino appears to be “still getting up to speed” with the demands of the Premier League.
Wright highlighted the absence of Ødegaard and pointed out that other creative options like Fabio Vieira have seen limited playing time, while Emile Smith Rowe, who has since moved to Fulham, is no longer available to support Arsenal’s midfield.
“It’s a lot of pressure for a young player like Ethan Nwaneri to step in for a team aiming for the title,” Wright remarked. “At this stage of the season, ten games in, we shouldn’t be this flat—not creating enough chances or exerting enough pressure. Merino wasn’t tight enough in midfield, and I think he’s still adjusting.”
Wright also stressed that Arsenal can’t keep relying on Ødegaard’s absence as an excuse for recent underperformance. “It’s frustrating to be ten games in and feeling this way, especially knowing how tough it is to catch up with Manchester City,” he said. “One shot on target against Bournemouth, and one today—it’s just not good enough for a team chasing the title. There’s work to be done in that dressing room.”
In his post-match press conference, Arteta echoed Wright’s frustration, acknowledging the impact of Ødegaard’s absence but emphasizing the need to adapt. “We could discuss this all day, but we haven’t had him for six weeks, and we need other solutions. Today, we reflect, congratulate Newcastle, and move forward.”
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