Theo Walcott Warns Arsenal Over Midfield Pairing After City Draw

Arsenal midfield pairing under fire as Theo Walcott says Zubimendi and Merino are too similar to start together against top teams.

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has warned Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta about his midfield pairing after the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, suggesting Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are too similar to start together.

At the Emirates, Arsenal controlled possession but struggled to break down Manchester City. Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the lead, and Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point with a late equaliser. Despite the result, Arsenal’s creativity and attacking intent in midfield drew criticism.

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Walcott highlighted the issue:

“Merino and Zubimendi are both very similar. Sometimes they get in each other’s way. For me, the balance isn’t right.”

With Martin Ødegaard sidelined and Bukayo Saka not fit enough to start, Arsenal lacked a creative spark. Eberechi Eze, capable of unlocking defences, was left on the bench until late in the match—a decision that baffled fans and pundits.

Theo Walcott did not hold back:

“I’m not normally critical of Arteta, but it feels like he got away with one today.”

Mikel Arteta introduced Eze and Bukayo Saka at halftime, replacing Merino and Noni Madueke. Their arrival lifted Arsenal’s attack, and Eze’s link-up play with Martinelli produced the dramatic equaliser. The substitutions showed how much more effective Arsenal looked with greater creativity on the pitch.

Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, but the draw felt like a missed chance. With Liverpool ahead and Tottenham close behind, Walcott believes Arteta must find the right balance in midfield to sustain a title challenge.

His remarks reflect a growing belief that Arsenal cannot rely solely on control. For Arteta, blending stability with creativity could decide whether the Gunners go all the way this season.

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