Former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson, has emphasized the significance of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to Arsenal’s midfield setup ahead of critical clashes with Tottenham and Man City. Merson highlighted the duo's role in creating scoring opportunities and controlling the game. Without them, Merson is wary of Arsenal's ability to compete effectively on the field.

Merson expressed concerns about Arsenal’s midfield depth, stressing the importance of these upcoming fixtures in determining the club’s Premier League title aspirations. With Rice suspended and Odegaard injured, Merson suggests a tactical reorganization that includes dropping Kai Havertz back into the midfield but faces challenges due to Gabriel Jesus' absence in the attack.

The stakes are high for Arsenal, with Merson urging a minimum of four points from the upcoming matches against Tottenham and Manchester City to stay in contention for the title race. Merson’s analysis has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some fans dismissing his predictions, while others acknowledge the competitive nature of the Premier League and the dominance of top teams like Manchester City.

While Merson's comments may seem premature to some, given the early stage of the season, the intense competition in the league, especially against consistent powerhouses like Man City, adds weight to his concerns. The pressure is mounting on Arsenal to deliver results in these pivotal matches to keep pace with the frontrunners in the title race.