Paul Merson Tells Arteta to Drop Two Arsenal Stars vs Leeds

Paul Merson calls for bold Arsenal changes as Mikel Arteta urged to bench two stars ahead of Leeds United clash.

Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to make two major selection calls ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with Leeds United, calling on the manager to drop Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard from the starting XI.

With Arsenal aiming to reclaim control of the title race, Merson argues they need fresh energy after their recent dip in domestic form.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Despite sitting top of the Premier League table, Arsenal have shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. The Gunners have collected just two points from their last three league matches, drawing with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before suffering a damaging defeat to Manchester United.

That slump has contrasted sharply with Arsenal’s European form, where Arteta’s side completed a perfect Champions League league phase with eight straight wins. However, concerns remain over whether momentum is beginning to slip in the title race.

Merson Calls for Two Key Changes

Merson, writing in his latest column for Sportkeeda, urged Arteta to shake up his attack at Elland Road. The former Arsenal midfielder believes Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli should replace Jesus and Trossard in the starting lineup.

Merson highlighted Martinelli’s pace as a decisive weapon against Leeds’ high-intensity approach, arguing that the Brazilian winger offers a greater threat in behind than Trossard for this particular fixture.

“Martinelli’s pace will be massive against Leeds,” Merson explained. “And Gyokeres deserves a start after being benched last time out.”

Gyokeres has impressed in recent appearances and was unfortunate to miss out on a start in Arsenal’s last league outing. Merson feels the striker’s physical presence and direct running could help Arsenal reassert control after conceding three goals against Manchester United.

The pundit believes changes are necessary to inject urgency and sharpness into Arsenal’s frontline.

Conflicting Pundit Predictions

Merson remains confident in Arsenal’s response, predicting a 2-0 victory that would extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

Not everyone shares that optimism. Paul Scholes has warned that Arsenal may have “lost their momentum,” tipping a 1-1 draw on The Overlap YouTube channel. Leeds, revitalised under Daniel Farke, have lost just once in their last 11 matches and have already taken points off Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United this season.

Gary Neville echoed Scholes’ prediction, while Arsenal legend Ian Wright backed the Gunners to win 2-0.

A Defining Moment in the Title Race

With Manchester City and Aston Villa sitting just four points behind, Arsenal cannot afford further dropped points. Leeds, meanwhile, would see a positive result as a major statement as they continue to pull clear of the relegation zone.

Arteta must now decide whether to trust his established starters or embrace Merson’s call for change. Whatever the decision, the result at Elland Road could shape the direction of Arsenal’s title charge.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.