Mikel Arteta has admitted that Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard gave him a selection problem over the weekend, having both played so well over the international break.
Arsenal midfield duo Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard were both in great form over the September-October international break, each providing four goal contributions in four games.
Merino provided an assist in Spain’s home game against Croatia, then scored at home to Czechia, before scoring twice in the away match in Croatia. The only appearance he didn’t score or assist in was his eight-minute cameo in the win over England.
Then Odegaard provided two assists at home to Denmark, one away to Wales, and one more away to Portugal. Both returned to Arsenal seemingly ready to make an impact.
Mikel Arteta could only pick one, and he ended up opting for Odegaard, bringing Merino off the bench late in the game. Reflecting on the decision afterwards, the manager admitted it wasn’t an easy call.
“Mikel [Merino] has scored two goals with the national team and the sensation is he deserves to play as well,” Arteta said. “But Martin [Odegaard] has been exceptional, and that’s the situation.
“The best way is when they have the chance, prove it, and then everybody’s going to be happy.”
Arsenal have more than enough games over the next month to give everyone an opportunity. There won’t be a single free weekend or midweek for the remainder of the month.
The Gunners will host Lille OSC on Tuesday, before away games against Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich. The team will then return home against Everton, before playing away in the League Cup against Fleetwood Town the following midweek.
With Odegaard playing every minute of the international break, he’ll need a break at some point. As Arteta suggests, that will be Merino’s opportunity to prove he deserves his chance.
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