The Spanish midfielder started the game as the Gunners lost 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, after which they were criticised for their approach to the game
Mikel Merino insists Arsenal can still do “big things” this season and the title is never decided after five games.
Liverpool delivered a statement of intent in this season’s title race by beating Arsenal in their showdown at Anfield. That will be seen as a blow to Arsenal’s belief that they can overhaul Arne Slot’s reigning champions this season.
But Merino says Arsenal’s squad is stronger this season after the club’s £250m summer spending spree and also it is too early to make judgements. Gunners midfielder Merino said: “I think we are a different squad, but I think the mentality on the team is that we can do big things. Obviously, we want to take that next step, and I think we are ready.
“It’s going to be a tough one, it’s going to be a long one, and we know it’s not going to be decided in the first five games, so be patient, take the positives and carry on.
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“Very excited for this squad, but the amount of quality that we have, the amount of depth that we have now, is going to be crucial for the future.”
Merino believes that Arsenal and Liverpool will be scrapping for the title all season long and the fact their latest showdown was decided by Dominik Szoboszlai’s late wonder strike shows how little there is between them.
On the title challengers, Merino is convinced Arsenal and Liverpool will be up there. “I think two of them, for sure,” he said.
“Two big squads, two prime mentality teams that always want to attack, always want to win games, and are going to be winning lots of games during the season, but we have many other teams that have the same qualities, also good squads around the league.
“It was a bittersweet feeling, I think. Obviously very disappointed on the fact that we lost, but I think it also has some positives to take. We saw a really good team here at Arsenal. I think we followed the game plan.
“In the future, I think when we look back and analyse the game, we’re going to see many good things. It felt like a very tight, cagey game.”
Merino insisted Arsenal were not negative in their approach at Anfield as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was criticised for not being more bold in his team selection.
Instead, Merino pointed to Arsenal’s new boys – like Viktor Gyokeres – needing time to settle in before they will deliver their best.
Merino added: “I think the mentality is always to go forward, to be attacking, to be aggressive, to try to dominate the game and create chances, but sometimes the game of football is like this.
“We’re very excited for coming back, and still create those relationships with the new guys. Everyone needs time to adapt, and in the future, I think we’re going to be ready.”
Arsenal’s other worry is that last season was disrupted by injuries and, after just three games, they already have a growing injury list with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and now William Saliba all out.
That cannot be down to just bad luck as, back in the day, there was so much talk about red zones and Arteta’s training methods are renowned for being intense but rarely provide as much discussion. Merino now believes Arsenal have a squad to cope.
Merino added: “I guess it’s just part of football, and as a player that has been around it for a long time, I know that this can happen, so the mentality is always to be ready. Not only me, but the whole squad.
“We have a deep squad now, we have a very quality-oriented squad, and what we have to do is just be patient, be focused on every single game. It’s unfortunate that injuries are part of the game, but it’s the reality, and we have to be ready to step in.”
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