Paul Merson ‘couldn’t believe’ Arteta’s decision on Arsenal player… but it’s really paid off now

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Pundit Paul Merson has questioned Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Eddie Nketiah for Arsenal – but it absolutely paid off against Chelsea.

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Southampton on Saturday afternoon, turning in another poor display in the final third.

Arteta threw Nketiah into the starting lineup, deploying him as a lone striker with Alexander Lacazette out through COVID.

Nketiah didn’t have much luck against the Saints and former Gunners ace Merson has questioned Arteta’s decision.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson admitted that he ‘couldn’t believe’ Arteta’s decision to throw Nketiah into the team.

Merson felt Nketiah had little chance of excelling given his lack of playing time of late. Even with Lacazette out, Merson seemingly didn’t feel Nketiah should be starting.

“It’s an extremely difficult call. I couldn’t believe he turned to Eddie Nketiah at Southampton,” said Merson. “He has hardly played and then he’s thrown into a must-win game. What chance does he have really?” he added.

Nketiah pays dividends for Arsenal

Merson may not have liked Arteta’s decision with Nketiah but it certainly paid off against Chelsea.

Even with Lacazette back in the squad, Arteta went with Nketiah as his striker at Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Nketiah scored not once but twice against Chelsea, coming back to haunt his former club with a key brace.

Arsenal secured a huge 4-2 victory, getting their Champions League pursuit back on track in West London.

Arteta almost had no other option than to start Nketiah against Southampton. The lack of striking options at Arsenal is alarming.

Against Chelsea though, Arteta put his faith in Nketiah and what a decision that turned out to be.

You can understand Merson’s concerns though. Nketiah has barely played of late and is set to leave Arsenal with his contract expiring this summer.

Putting your faith in a player who is leaving in a matter of months isn’t ideal, but Nketiah showed on Wednesday that he can still score in the Arsenal side.