Mikel Arteta's weak link identified as Paul Merson slams Arsenal star

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Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta's weak link identified as Paul Merson slams Arsenal star

Arsenal eased to a comfortable win over Burnley on Saturday to get their Premier League campaign back on track.

The Gunners controversially lost to top four contenders Newcastle last week, but were able to overcome Vincent Kompany's struggling Clarets, who are rock bottom of the table. Despite that win, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told that a weak link remains at the heart of his squad.

That criticism comes as keeper David Raya came under fire yet again for his performances since joining from Brentford in the summer, as his difficult season continues. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal news.

Arteta told weak link

While Mikel Arteta has been buoyed by the win over Burnley on Saturday, he has been warned that one area of his squad needs to be addressed. Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko scored to hand the Gunners all three points.

But Jamie O'Hara has pointed to Kai Havertz as an increasing problem for Arteta. Havertz started the win over the Clarets but was hauled off just before the hour mark as his struggles continued.

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The German has scored just once since his arrival from Chelsea, with O'Hara slamming the Arsenal star. He said: “Kai Havertz is really struggling to do anything in this Arsenal side. He got dragged after 59 minutes today. He just looks so off the pace.”

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HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as Arsenal beat Burnley? Comment below.

Wrexham reap Arsenal benefit

Mikel Arteta's weak link identified as Paul Merson slams Arsenal starArthur Okonkwo has impressed at Wrexham (James Gill/Danehouse)

Wrexham are reaping the rewards from Arsenal choosing them as the place to send young keeper Arthur Okonkwo. He has starred since arriving at the Racecourse Ground, keeping five clean sheets, earning the praise of boss Phil Parkinson.

"We spoke to Arsenal and Arthur's agent when Fozzy [Ben Foster] retired. We only had about 10 days until the transfer window closed and Arthur was very high on the list but we didn't think it was going to be possible because he was potentially moving to Europe," he said.

"We know he has got real potential. He came to us without much football behind him in pre-season but he has fitted in well with the lads. He has been an important signing for us so far and I think he is going to get better."

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Raya slammed for Newcastle error

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has taken aim at David Raya for his error in the lead-up to Newcastle's winner last week. Raya flapped at a cross leading to Anthony Gordon's goal, with Merson slamming the keeper.

"Mikel Arteta has gone mad, he's writing a letter, this and that. At the end of the day, his goalkeeper has sold him up (down) the river. The goalkeeper should catch that every day of the week," Merson told Sky Sports.

"If you see his position he’s two yards in front of the front post when he crosses the ball. Any other day of the week a goalie comes out, catches that, bounces it and throws it out to his full-back. It’s just covered over, it’s unbelievable."

Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disasterEverton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster

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Jacob Leeks

Paul Merson, Arsenal FC, Premier League, Mikel Arteta

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