Three Arsenal Stars Shine in Premier League Teams of the Week
Despite Arsenal’s somewhat inconsistent performance against Leicester City on Saturday, a trio of players managed to stand out and earn spots in the various Premier League Teams of the Week. The match, which saw the Gunners secure a crucial victory, highlighted the individual brilliance of Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Magalhaes. These selections are a testament to their exceptional contributions and the impact they had on the game.
Ethan Nwaneri: A Rising Star
Ethan Nwaneri, the young midfielder, was a standout performer for Arsenal, earning a place in WhoScored’s Team of the Week. Nwaneri’s dynamic display was marked by his exceptional dribbling skills, completing more dribbles than any other player on the pitch (seven). His creativity was evident as he made two key passes, one of which resulted in an assist for Merino. Nwaneri’s performance was so impressive that he received the second-highest rating in the entire lineup, a 9.69, just behind Yankuba Minteh’s 9.95. This recognition is a significant milestone for the 18-year-old, who continues to impress with his maturity and skill on the field.
Mikel Merino: A Substitution with Impact
Mikel Merino, who came on as a substitute, made a significant impact in the game, earning him a spot in both the BBC and WhoScored Teams of the Week. Merino’s two goals were the highlight of his performance, and they were crucial in securing the victory for Arsenal. In WhoScored’s team, Merino was selected as a centre-forward, while Troy Deeney of the BBC chose to place him in a midfield role. Deeney acknowledged that Merino "shouldn’t really get in" his team given his limited playing time, but the Spanish international’s massive impact on the game was undeniable. Merino’s ability to make an immediate difference off the bench is a valuable asset for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Gabriel Magalhaes: Defensive Dominance
Gabriel Magalhaes, the Brazilian defender, was another Arsenal player to make it into the BBC Team of the Week. Deeney praised Gabriel for his defensive prowess, noting that he "is now getting marked ridiculously closely from set pieces but is still able to get away and cause trouble." Gabriel’s aerial presence and defensive solidity were crucial in keeping Leicester City at bay. His ability to dominate in the air and make timely interventions has been a consistent feature of his performances this season, and his inclusion in the team is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.
Controversial Omissions and Inclusions
While Nwaneri, Merino, and Gabriel were celebrated for their performances, there was some controversy surrounding the selections. Troy Deeney’s decision to omit Nwaneri from his BBC Team of the Week, despite the youngster winning the Player of the Match award, raised eyebrows. Deeney’s rationale for not including Nwaneri was based on the limited playing time of substitutes, but many fans and pundits argued that Nwaneri’s impact and overall performance warranted his inclusion. This debate underscores the subjective nature of such selections and the high standards set by the Premier League’s top performers.
Looking Ahead: The West Ham United Challenge
Arsenal’s next challenge is a home game against West Ham United on Saturday. Given the current injury situation within the squad, Mikel Arteta will be relying heavily on the continued strong performances of Nwaneri, Merino, and Gabriel. The trio’s ability to step up and deliver in crucial moments will be vital for the Gunners as they aim to secure three points and maintain their position in the league. West Ham United, known for their robust defense and counter-attacking prowess, will provide a stern test, and Arsenal will need to be at their best to overcome this obstacle.
The Importance of Team Depth
The performances of Nwaneri, Merino, and Gabriel highlight the importance of having a strong and versatile squad. In a season filled with challenges and uncertainties, the ability to bring on players who can make an immediate impact is crucial. Mikel Arteta’s management of the squad, particularly in managing the workload and opportunities for younger players like Nwaneri, has been commendable. As Arsenal continues to navigate the Premier League, the depth and quality of their bench will be a key factor in their success.
