Football Discussion | Arsenal fans examine tactical options

It has been a mixed start to the season for Arteta's side...

Many fans have been discussing what changes could be made to get Arsenal playing more consistently

Author | DJ

Arsenal celebrate a goal against Leeds United

Across social media and various forums, several interesting discussion points have emerged. In this article, we have compiled some of the best of them.

Is there something wrong with the midfield?

Ahead of the new season, supporters were eager to see how Declan Rice would combine with new signing Martin Zubimendi, but the understanding between the pair is still taking shape.

Declan Rice’s difficulties this season do not point to any decline in his ability but instead highlight the teething problems of his developing partnership with Martin Zubimendi. Yet with Arsenal having relied so heavily on him last year to carry the ball into the final third, supporters will be eager to see him quickly rediscover that influence once the international break is over.

Should Arteta consider playing Mikel Merino up front alongside Viktor Gyokeres?

When it was announced in January that Kai Havertz would undergo surgery on a torn hamstring, a number of Arsenal supporters floated the idea of using Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. The suggestion was largely met with surprise, given the Spain international has built his reputation as a midfielder rather than a forward.

Six months on, however, Merino is once again making a case for himself in a more advanced role. He struck a hat-trick in Spain’s 6-0 demolition of Turkey in World Cup qualifying, a performance that has reignited the debate.

READ MORE | Arsenal fans respond to Liverpool defeat

READ MORE | The impact of Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze

With Havertz sidelined once more, the question remains: could Merino step in to lead the line again? This is what some Arsenal fans have had to say.

Tony: Arteta is committed to a 4-3-3, which allows for just one central striker, and that has to be Gyokeres. For me, his signing is a gamble, much as it would have been had Arsenal brought in Benjamin Sesko. Arteta will persist with it, so the idea of Merino being used up front is unlikely outside of a Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale.

Pablo: Arteta is too cautious in his approach to make such a change.

Dave: I actually suggested using Merino up front for the Liverpool game, with Ethan Nwaneri joining Gabriel and Noni Madueke. I know it means leaving attacking players on the bench, but the balance works. Merino offers more defensively and in midfield while still making forward runs that unsettle defenders. It also allows for strong options from the bench. It is a system that only suits the biggest matches, giving Arsenal unpredictability as well as solidity. I do feel I am the only one who sees it this way.

Karl: A 4-2-3-1 could be the answer. Merino would slot in behind Gyokeres, with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka operating on the wings.