“I’m not sure he’s going to be up to the level of Arsenal” - Troy Deeney expresses doubt over Gunners star despite quality display vs Brentford

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has questioned whether Arsenal star Mikel Merino can perform at the level required by the club. The pundit, however, is willing to give him another year before making a conclusive judgment.

The Gunners secured Merino's services from Real Sociedad last summer for a reported £32 million fee. After a triumphant campaign with Spain at the 2024 European Championships in the summer, Merino endured an unfortunate start to life in north London.

He picked up a shoulder injury in his very first training session for the club and was sidelined for their first six fixtures. Following his subsequent recovery, Merino has now made 19 appearances across competitions so far. He scored his second goal of the season in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Brentford on New Year's Day.

While praising Merino for his performance against the Bees, Deeney has his doubts about the Spaniard. He picked Merino in his BBC Sport Premier League Team of the Week and said (via Metro):

"He was quality today. I’m not sure if he’s going to be up to the level of Arsenal but I’m going to give him until next year with a pre-season."

"He’s neat, tidy, very fluid in the way he plays. He can go as a six, he can go as an eight, he just keeps the ball ticking over really well. I bet as a team-mate he’s excellent to have in your team," he added.

The Gunners will next face Brighton & Hove Albion away from home on Saturday (January 4).

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“It’s a lack of concentration" - Ian Wright criticizes Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya after Brentford win

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called out David Raya for nearly conceding a second goal in their 3-1 win over Brentford.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the Bees in the 13th minute. A quarter of an hour later, Brentford were close to doubling their lead when Keane Lewis-Potter had a shot on target from inside the box.

Raya tried to catch the ball but it slipped through his hands and was on its way into the back of the net before the Spaniard made an excellent save. The Gunners then went on to secure all three points thanks to Gabriel Jesus' equalizer in the first 45 minutes and second-half goals from Merino and Gabriel Martinelli.

Speaking after the game about Raya's error that nearly cost the Gunners, Wright said:

“It’s a lack of concentration from David Raya. He does brilliantly to recover. You can see the desperation from him. You can see how close it was. That would have been disastrous, especially with the way Arsenal were dominating.”