“Kai Havertz is not their problem but that particular player is”: Man City coach Pep Guardiola names the only player who’s Arsenal problem, urged to Arteta to remove him
Arsenal bowed out of the FA Cup in the third round for the second season running.
The Gunners went into the game in inconsistent form, having failed to win their previous two outings against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
They had a mixed opening half against United, where they did not provide any significant attacking threat.
United pounced on a defensive mistake to score in the 52nd minute, but the Gunners got a huge advantage soon after with Diogo Dalot’s sending-off.
Gabriel Magalhaes made amends for his defensive error with the equaliser, but Arsenal failed to find the winner. Martin Odegaard missed a glorious chance from the penalty spot.
Declan Rice was twice denied by exceptional saves by Altay Bayindir. Kai Havertz had a day to forget. He missed two big chances before squandering a penalty in the shoot-out.
Havertz was undoubtedly the worst player on the pitch, but we were also disappointed with the performance of midfielder Mikel Merino before his 73rd-minute substitution.
The Spaniard started alongside Jorginho and Martin Odegaard in the centre of the park, but he had a poor outing with just 30 touches and 14 passes completed.
Merino lost 50 percent of his duels (5/10) and squandered possession on nine occasions.
The former Real Sociedad man received a 5/10 performance rating from football.london.
It was unsurprising that Rice replaced him. The Englishman had a greater influence in the game and could have won if not for Bayindir’s heroics in the United goal.
Arsenal have a huge north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday and Merino must be dropped to the bench.
