Paul Merson said Arteta made one selection mistake against Brighton

Mikel Arteta benched Myles Lewis-Skelly for Arsenal’s last match against Brighton, as the midfielder had struggled in previous matches and the Gunners wanted something different against the Seagulls.

Bruno Guimaraes came into the team for him as the Brazilian continues to build towards becoming a key player at the club. However, it was a difficult day for him as Brighton overran the Gunners for most of the game.

Brighton shocked Arsenal with their approach and secured a deserved victory. The result was particularly significant for Arsenal, who needed to win to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the league standings, but they failed to make it happen.

Merson questions Arteta’s decision

Lewis-Skelly could perhaps have made more of an impact in midfield had he started the game, and Paul Merson does not understand why Arteta chose to bench the Englishman.

Merson questioned the decision to select Guimaraes instead, particularly given how Brighton performed in midfield. The former Arsenal player highlighted the problems his former club faced during the match.

He said on Sky Sports:

“I’d like to ask Mikel Arteta what his thinking was behind playing Bruno Guimaraes over Myles Lewis-Skelly at Brighton.

“I don’t know if he thought it would be a nice football match, that Brighton would be tired after coming from 2-0 down against Manchester United on Wednesday?

Brighton expose Arsenal midfield

“It just didn’t work. Arsenal got outrun, they got overpowered in midfield, they got ripped to shreds.”

Merson’s comments focus on Arsenal’s inability to control the midfield during the defeat. Brighton’s approach caused problems for the Gunners, while Guimaraes struggled to influence proceedings in the way Arsenal would have wanted.

The decision to leave Lewis-Skelly on the bench therefore became a talking point after the match. Arsenal were unable to secure the result they needed, and their performance raised questions about the midfield selection.

For Arteta, the defeat will provide plenty to consider, particularly regarding the balance of his midfield. Lewis-Skelly had been left out after struggling in previous matches, but the result against Brighton has led to further discussion about whether a different selection could have produced a better performance.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…

The post Paul Merson said Arteta made one selection mistake against Brighton appeared first on Just Arsenal News.