Michael Owen has expressed surprise at Mikel Arteta's decision to bring on Mikel Merino during Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Coventry City in their Premier League opener, suggesting that young talent Max Dowman should have been given the opportunity instead.
Arsenal's dominant start to title defence
The Gunners began their title defence in emphatic fashion at the Emirates Stadium, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard securing a comfortable win against the newly-promoted Sky Blues. Arsenal, fresh off their title-winning campaign, have been active in the transfer market to bolster Arteta's squad depth.
Christos Tzolis made an impressive league debut, while Ezri Konsa was paraded around the stadium pre-match after completing his move from Aston Villa. The bench was packed with quality, including World Cup winners Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, both of whom were among the five substitutes introduced in the second half to see out the game.
Owen's critique of Arteta's substitutions
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Owen questioned the logic behind bringing on Merino, who has had limited rest following his World Cup exploits. 'So many great players on the bench, they're all household names,' Owen said. 'But there is one player [Dowman] that you think, come on, give him a bit of experience. What's the point of bringing Merino on?'
'He's played in the World Cup, he's not had much rest. Bring Max Dowman on and give him more experience, more confidence. This could be his year. It could be a breakthrough year for him, so I was expecting to see him, but not this time,' Owen added.
A comfortable win and a bullish title prediction
Despite the substitutions, Arsenal's performance was described as remarkably comfortable against the newly-promoted side. Owen believes it is hard to envisage anyone challenging the defending champions this season. 'Arsenal have got an embarrassment of riches, and that was typical Arsenal, they're so efficient,' he said.
'When you look at the strengths of that team, and you look at other teams that have been champions, you can't see the wheels coming off Arsenal. You can see them maybe dipping slightly, and only getting 83 points instead of 85, but they're so structured, they're so good defensively, they've got such a good goalkeeper, they don't give anything away.'
Owen predicts Arsenal will post a 'really solid figure' this year, thinking 'late 80s, maybe even 90' points, which will take some catching. 'I think the years when Manchester City got 100 and Liverpool 99, I can't see anyone that good at the moment, but I can't see Arsenal slipping. They're just a machine, a well-oiled machine,' he concluded.
Arsenal travel to face Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Villa Park next Monday, where they will look to continue their winning start.
