Merson accuses two Arsenal players of going off the boil after latest setback

11 February 2023 , 18:53

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Merson accuses two Arsenal players of going off the boil after latest setback

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has confessed he fears both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have gone off the boil after the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford.

Manager Mikel Arteta will certainly view the result as two points dropped for his side, especially with title rivals and reigning champions Manchester City chomping at their heels. January signing Leandro Trossard netted the game's opener mid-way through the second half, but Arsenal couldn't hold on as Ivan Toney equalised with 15 minutes to play.

It was an afternoon to forget for the Gunners, who for all their possession and shots on goal failed to create many meaningful chances. Come full-time, Merson was quick to express his concerns over some of Arsenal's main attacking talent.

Pressed for comment on who he felt had gone off the boil while on Sky Sports, Merson replied: "I would definitely say Martinelli and Saka. Saka set up the goal but I definitely think they're a bit easy to pick up at the moment, a bit predictable.

"It wouldn't hurt, after 20 or 30 minutes if it's not working, to swap wings. Both players like to come inside. I think just swap it up. It's becoming a little predictable for me."

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He did sign off by insisting that Brentford were well worth the point they take back to West London as Merson added: "I wouldn't take anything away from Brentford. I thought they were absolutely outstanding."

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are both subjects of Paul Merson's concern

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In regards to the Bees, Merson's sentiments were echoed by another former Arsenal ace in Martin Keown, who admitted Thomas Frank's side could have toppled the Gunners and taken all three points.

The ex-Arsenal defender referenced last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park and how this was the second successive underwhelming perfomance from Arteta's side.

"Without doubt, Brentford could easily won this game," Keown expained. "That's five points dropped for Arsenal.

"Over to Man City now tomorrow against Villa and then it's all to play for on Wednesday night and that gap could be down to zero.

"It's not been a great week for Arsenal but credit to Brentford for the way they set up today, made it very difficult for Arsenal to break them down."

As Keown mentions, next up for the Gunners is the visit of title rivals City, who could be level on points with them if they beat both Villa on Sunday and Arsenal on Wednesday night at the Emirates.

Josh O'Brien