Merson Makes Case for Gyokeres to Start Against Atletico Madrid

Paul Merson has made a compelling argument for Mikel Arteta to reinstate Viktor Gyokeres to the starting lineup for Arsenal's midweek Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid.

The Swedish striker, who has notched 18 goals across all competitions this season, found himself warming the bench once more during Saturday's narrow victory over Newcastle at St James' Park. Arteta opted to field Kai Havertz in the forward role for the crucial Premier League fixture, a decision that ultimately paid dividends when Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock to send Arsenal to the summit of the table.

The Gunners now sit three points clear of Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola's side possess a game in hand. Next comes the small matter of facing Atletico Madrid in Spain on Wednesday evening.

Merson believes this is precisely the occasion where Gyokeres should reclaim his place in the side. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Arsenal icon highlighted the Swede's physical presence and work rate as crucial assets for a team expecting to face sustained pressure in Madrid.

"He will still play a big part in it," Merson explained. "For me, he plays in Europe on Wednesday night because he will hold the ball up. Arsenal will be under pressure and it will be a difficult game for them in Madrid. That's when you need Gyokeres to get you a throw in down the touchline, he runs after lost causes."

Merson pointed to a moment during the Newcastle clash that exemplified Gyokeres' value—a clearance from a corner followed by a determined chase that won back possession and visibly lifted the crowd's spirits.

The injury concern surrounding Havertz has only intensified the debate. The German was forced off in the 34th minute, and Ian Wright expressed serious worry about the severity of the problem. Speaking on Premier League Productions, the Arsenal legend drew a stark contrast between Havertz's departure and that of Eze, who left the pitch in far better spirits.

"I'm quite concerned when you consider he has broken down again," Wright said. "You can see the difference in Eze walking off and the difference in Havertz walking off. Eze is saying he's alright and it's precautionary. But with Havertz, that looks like a lengthy one."

Arteta addressed the victory in his post-match comments, reflecting on the team's tactical approach against Newcastle's physical setup. "Game one, done! We've been talking about that reset after Manchester, and do what is in our hands," the manager said. "We certainly approached the game the right way, started quite well, and scored a beautiful goal."

The Arsenal boss elaborated on his in-game decision-making, particularly regarding set-piece tactics. "We believed it was the right thing to do against the physicality and the way they have adapted to us in set-pieces to try something else," Arteta continued. "When we did it the first time, the crowd wasn't very sure about that, it didn't work out. So, the second time, do you have the courage to do the right thing? And the players did it, we did it."

He went on to praise his squad's resilience when the stakes are highest. "When there's so much at stake, when it's tense, when there is doubt and you make decisions, we believed it was the right thing to do and we got rewarded for that behaviour."