Paul Merson believes the Brighton defeat has spooked Arsenal, pushing them back into the efficient, cautious machine they were before. After winning the league and playing some entertaining football, the Gunners turned conservative. Merson says the team refuses to concede goals but struggles to create chances, a problem exposed at Nottingham Forest, where Arsenal enjoyed huge possession yet barely threatened to score.
Merson argues that opponents have figured out how to play against Arsenal: sit deep and defend. The wingers rarely beat their men, few players run beyond the ball, and there is little movement. He stresses that Bruno Guimaraes must play in every game because he is the one player who can pass the ball effectively. Merson admits Arsenal won by not playing well, a good sign, but he had expected the shackles to come off this season.
He is doubtful Arsenal can beat Bayern Munich this week. In his view, Bayern could open the game up knowing only one side will win, and he questions whether Arsenal can outscore top European opponents. Merson rates Kai Havertz as a good footballer but does not see him or Viktor Gyokeres as a difference-maker, saying the X factor needed to win the Champions League is missing.
Merson also doubts Eberechi Eze will succeed at Arsenal. Substituted at half-time against Forest, he would have stayed on the pitch at Crystal Palace, where everything went through him. At a big club, Merson says, players must perform within a shape and cannot be free spirits.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing