Merson praises Ødegaard but says Gyökeres made it 'easy' for Tarkowski
Paul Merson had plenty of praise for Martin Ødegaard after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates, but the former Gunner was far less convinced by Viktor Gyökeres, despite the Swede setting up the opening goal.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson singled out Ødegaard as the standout performer. “I thought Odegaard was outstanding,” he said. “He just ticks it all over, he is so comfortable, he has got a nice left foot, he is just a nice, nice player.”
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Merson also pointed to the Norwegian's growing confidence, describing him as one of Arsenal's most impressive performers this season. It was hard to disagree based on Saturday's display. Ødegaard's movement, passing and link up play were excellent throughout, with his influence likely to grow further given a run of difficult fixtures on the horizon for Mikel Arteta's side.
Gyökeres under scrutiny despite assist
The tone shifted when Merson turned his attention to Gyökeres. He suggested the striker made life too comfortable for Everton centre back James Tarkowski, arguing that a more mobile forward who drifts into different areas would have caused the defender far more problems.
“He was playing against Tarkowski, who wants that kind of player,” Merson explained.
There is some basis to the criticism. Gyökeres failed to register a single shot during his 68 minutes on the pitch, and Arsenal supporters will naturally want to see more direct threat from their number nine. But it's not the complete picture. Gyökeres has now provided assists in consecutive appearances, including the pass that led to Ezri Konsa's opener against Everton. He also put in a physical shift against a combative Everton back line and helped bring teammates into dangerous areas.
A fair assessment?
Nobody is suggesting that assists alone will keep Arsenal fans satisfied long term. Goals are the currency strikers are judged on, and Gyökeres is well aware of that reality. Still, there's an argument for recognising his contribution to the team's attacking play while accepting that his finishing remains a work in progress.
Arsenal have now strung together positive results, and with Ødegaard directing play at an increasingly high level, the focus will inevitably turn to whether Gyökeres can start translating his hold up play and link up work into goals of his own. The next run of fixtures should offer a clearer picture of where he stands.
