Mikel Arteta called out for 'mind-blowing' Arsenal decision after West Ham defeat
Arsenal fell to defeat against West Ham as they struggled without a striker and Paul Merson is very concerned with where it leaves the Gunners for the remainder of the season
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorPaul Merson has been left worried for Arsenal after their goalless display in defeat to West Ham United.
The former Gunners forward has lamented Mikel Arteta's lack of a forward, with Mikel Merino required to play up front after scoring twice after coming on as a substitute last weekend. The Spaniard endured a difficult afternoon at the Emirates and was unable to reproduce his cameo versus Leicester, earning a less than positive review from Merson.
Arsenal have long been thought to require a striker, even before injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Arteta even emphasised his desire for reinforcements during the January transfer window but the club did not complete any business.
Merson has been left aghast that Arsenal have been left in a position where they are forced to experiment with strikers and was critical of the decision to use Merino up front. As a result the 56-year-old, is concerned by how the north London side's season could unfold.
"Arsenal were fortunate last week, let's be honest," Merson said. "At 0-0 they made Leicester look decent. Merino comes on and scores two very good goals.
"It's a hard position to play, centre forward, there aren't a lot of them around. To just throw people up there and expect them to do the magic, for me, is mind-blowing. He looked like a fish up a tree. I don't mean to be disrespectful to him, he's a holding midfield player. You just can't do that. I worry for Arsenal now."
Merson believes Arsenal's failure to earn victory against the Irons, and the manner of their performance, is an indicator for a difficult end to th season. The ex-Portsmouth and Aston Villa ace has ruled the Gunners out of the title picture following the defeat, even with Liverpool's next fixture being against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Sky Sports pundit is not convinced by Arsenal's alternative forward options. "[The title race is over] one million per cent," added Merson.
"Arsenal cannot catch Liverpool. They've got no forward. They've got a young 17-year-old in Nwaneri who has got a bright future but he struggled today.
"Trossard is a bit-part player in my opinion. There's absolutely no chance Arsenal can win the league. Even if Liverpool get beat 7-0 [against Man City], Arsenal cannot win it.
"I've seen enough today to know they are going to struggle until the end of the season. They've got 12 games left and will do well to win half of those."
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