Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been defended by a Gunners legend following his controversial decision to start Mikel Merino in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester City .

The Arsenal boss had to make do without captain Martin Odegaard against Pep Guardiola's side due to a shoulder injury, but rather than trust the creative Ethan Nwaneri or Eberechi Eze from the first whistle, he once again persisted with Merino alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the engine room.

Arteta went with the same formula against Athletic Bilbao and Liverpool, which failed to bear fruit, and Merino once again struggled to showcase his best form on the right-hand side of the midfield triumvirate.

The 29-year-old created just one chance, registered a mere 0.03

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