Arsenal Must Seize 'Biggest Game of Season' at Leeds, Says Merson – Backs Gyokeres and Martinelli to Start

Paul Merson reckons this weekend's clash at Leeds could define Arsenal's season, urging Mikel Arteta to shuffle his pack for what he's dubbed the Gunners' most crucial fixture yet.

The north Londoners have stuttered recently, managing just one defeat and two draws across their last three outings – the loss coming at Old Trafford, with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest holding them to stalemates. Meanwhile, Leeds have hit a purple patch of form, losing only once in their previous 11 matches and notably collecting scalps against Chelsea whilst drawing with both Liverpool and Manchester United to haul themselves clear of the drop zone.

"This is the game, isn't it?" the former Arsenal winger told Sportskeeda. "Leeds away won't be easy, no doubt it."

Merson sees a clear pathway to glory should the Gunners emerge victorious. Victory would open up a seven-point gap at the summit, with Manchester City still facing a trip to Tottenham – a scenario that would leave Arsenal in a commanding position with 14 games remaining. Defeat, however, presents a different narrative entirely. Should Arsenal slip up, the former Gunners favourite fears the title race could be beyond salvaging.

"If they lose and the lead comes down to a single point, I don't think they win the league," he explained.

The pundit has identified Eberechi Eze's recent cameo against Manchester United as a flashpoint, noting the Emirates faithful's reaction to the playmaker's display. Fans appeared frustrated by what they perceived as nonchalance in possession, though Merson believes this simply reflects Eze's natural style of play.

"When Eze came on against Manchester United last weekend, the Arsenal fans were going ballistic. I assume most of them felt he was being very casual on the ball," Merson said. "But that's just the way he plays and it's not his fault! The thing with Eze is that he's a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball and I think the fans need to give him time."

The 56-year-old acknowledged the adjustment period required when joining a club of Arsenal's stature, arguing that the pressure operates on a different level at the Emirates compared to his former outfit Crystal Palace.

For the Leeds encounter, Merson advocates bringing Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli into the starting lineup at the expense of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. Whilst Trossard offers craft and guile, Martinelli's blistering pace could prove the decisive weapon against a Leeds side expected to attack rather than retreat into a defensive shell.

"Leeds were outstanding in the first half against Everton last weekend. I don't think they will put 10 men behind the ball in this game. I fully expect Leeds to have a go at Arsenal," Merson noted.

The defensive unit cannot escape scrutiny either, having shipped three goals in their previous outing. Everyone must contribute to a comprehensive performance, according to the former winger.

Merson's prediction? A commanding 2-0 victory for the visitors – a result that would constitute the "humungous" statement Arsenal desperately need.