Michael Owen Rules Out Arsenal Quadruple As Paul Merson Questions Midfield Performance
Owen Questions Arsenal’s Chances for Trophy Sweep Amid Strong Performance
Michael Owen has tempered expectations regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of all four major trophies this season, despite the team’s favorable standings in various competitions.
The former England striker noted that the demands of the fixtures could ultimately challenge Mikel Arteta’s squad, even after their recent 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Currently, Arsenal leads the Premier League by six points, has topped its Champions League group with a perfect record, and is preparing to face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round.
While Owen recognizes the potential for domestic success, he cautions that the remaining competitions will present significant obstacles.
“The league is obviously nearly wrapped up. And yes, they could win the Carabao Cup,” he stated during an appearance on talkSPORT. “But the two others are going to be absolutely tough. All the other clubs are going to be focused on the FA Cup to salvage their seasons, and they will put out strong teams. The Champions League could be anybody’s.”
As Arsenal continues to compete on multiple fronts, club legend Paul Merson has voiced concerns regarding the team’s midfield following their narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz scored the match’s only goal, but Merson criticized the midfield trio’s performance.
Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Eberechi Eze were specifically mentioned as having struggled against Chelsea’s midfield pairing.
“The Arsenal midfield three were not great but they played against a very good midfield three in Caicedo and Santos,” Merson commented on Sky Sports.
He also expressed concern over Enzo Fernández’s position, stating, “I thought Enzo was wasted out on the left in the first half, playing on the left against one of Arsenal’s better defenders in Timber.”
