Viktor Gyokeres has returned to fitness for Premier League leaders Arsenal, but the Swede's path back into the starting lineup is suddenly far from clear. His four-game absence has seen midfielder Mikel Merino excel in an unfamiliar forward role, presenting manager Mikel Arteta with a significant tactical decision as the hectic festive schedule begins.
Merino's Unexpected Masterclass Up Front
With Gyokeres sidelined and fellow strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also unavailable, Arteta turned to the Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino as an emergency solution. The results have been startlingly effective. Since stepping into the breach, Merino has contributed a brace against Slavia Prague, provided assists against Sunderland and Tottenham, and scored a crucial headed equaliser in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
His adaptability has been key. In the North London derby, he operated as a deep-lying forward, dragging defenders out of position to create space and setting up Leandro Trossard's opener. Against Chelsea, he transformed into a traditional target man, physically challenging Wesley Fofana and Trevor Chalobah before powering in his header. Remarkably, Merino now has five headed goals in 2025, a joint Premier League high for the calendar year.
The Case For and Against Gyokeres
This form has ignited debate over whether Arteta should immediately reinstate his £64 million summer signing Viktor Gyokeres. The 27-year-old has six goals in 15 games this season, but four of his Premier League strikes have come against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Burnley. This has led to questions, voiced by pundits like Gary Lineker, about his impact in major fixtures.
In contrast, Merino's two league goals this term were scored away at Newcastle United and Chelsea. Statistically, in all competitions, Merino has five goal contributions (goals and assists) in 528 minutes as a striker, compared to Gyokeres' eight in 1,078 minutes. Off the ball, Merino's work rate is also more pronounced, exemplified by his five tackles made in the single match against Tottenham.
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey summarised the prevailing sentiment, stating he would be "very surprised" if Arteta removed Merino from the XI now. Arteta himself has lavished praise on the Spaniard's curiosity and willingness to learn, suggesting his versatility is a powerful asset.
A Welcome Headache for Arteta
The dilemma, however, is multi-faceted. Starting Gyokeres would allow Merino to return to his natural midfield role, helping to manage the minutes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Furthermore, as former Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge argued, Gyokeres was purchased as a marquee striker to decide big games and remains the club's top scorer this season.
Complicating matters further is the impending return of other attacking options. Kai Havertz, whom Arteta described as a player he "loves so much," is nearing full fitness after a serious hamstring injury. Gabriel Jesus, who was in prolific form before his knee problem, is also back in the matchday squad, offering a different, more agile profile.
What is abundantly clear is that Arsenal are now blessed with an enviable depth of attacking options. The challenge for Mikel Arteta is no longer about finding a solution, but about choosing the right one from an array of compelling choices as the Gunners aim to maintain their title charge.
