"Nowhere near the level required", "Adds no value to the team" - Fans unhappy with Arsenal star after 1-0 loss to Inter
Arsenal fans on social media have expressed their disappointment with summer signing Mikel Merino, following his poor performance in their 1-0 loss to Inter Milan. The two sides faced off at the San Siro for their Champions League group stage clash on Wednesday, November 5.
The game's only goal was scored by Hakan Calhanoglu from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage-time. The referee awarded the spot-kick after the ball came off Mehdi Taremi's foot and struck Merino on the arm. Arsenal players contested the referee's call as the deflection happened at close range, but a VAR check confirmed the penalty.
Mikel Arteta subbed Merino off at half-time, replacing him with Gabriel Jesus to improve the Gunners' attacking options.
Aside from his late first-half error, Merino did fairly well, winning five duels and losing just two in those 45 minutes. He also missed a big chance to score for the Gunners from close range. However, fans did not take kindly to his error, as they slammed him on social media with comments like these:
"Merino nowhere near the level required. Looks sooooooooooo out of place," a fan said.
"I’ll never understand his signing," another admitted.
"Merino can’t be in the starting XI & a striker in the Jan window pls," a third complained.
"#Arsenal They played better without Merino," a fourth claimed.
"Merino adds no value to the team. Waste of transfer fee," another said.
"Send Merino back to Spain please," a fan demanded.
Arsenal continue concerning run of form
Arsenal failed to breach the Nerazzurri's defense despite dominating possession and territory for the entirety of the second half. Although they were slightly unlucky and missed three big chances in the match, the result continued their disappointing form.
Their previous game was a 1-0 loss in the Premier League against Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday, November 2. This makes it two away games in a row where they have failed to score a single goal. Prior to these games, they beat Preston North End 3-0 in the EFL Cup, but that was arguably an expected result against a much smaller team.
Their only other win in recent matches came in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk. In their last six games, they have won just twice, including with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in front of their fans.
Arsenal face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on November 10. Mikel Arteta will hope they can find their goal-scoring edge before the London derby.
