""I think he has earned at least to be in the thinking behind it for the way he's performing and the impact that he's bringing to the team, so that's a yes," said Arteta. "And playing together, those are the things that we have prepared during the summer because of the squad that we have, and so far we haven't been able to."
""Well, for what they've been doing, the way they've been playing and winning matches, certainly it's a team that is in great form and we know that," added Arteta. "We know obviously the manager and the incredible job that he's done there as well. So we know the test tomorrow - but we always think it's an opportunity.""
Mikel Merino has excelled playing up front and has scored more goals for Arsenal in 2025 than any other player, including a goal against Brentford. Merino’s form makes him a genuine option to lead the attack despite Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus edging back to fitness. Arsenal prepared plans to field attacking combinations during the summer but have not yet been able to implement them. Declan Rice is hopeful to recover from a calf knock for the Aston Villa match. Cristhian Mosquera is doubtful with an ankle problem and Gabriel remains out with a thigh injury. Aston Villa have climbed to third after four straight wins under Unai Emery, and a victory in the early kick-off would send a message to the chasing pack while Arsenal focus on performance and preparation for the next game.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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