Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing team lost their first game of the 2024–25 Premier League season, 2-0 to Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino’s troublesome start to life in the top flight continued with a “absolutely woeful” performance.

After William Saliba was sent off in the 30th minute, Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert scored to weaken Arsenal on the south coast. Merino, who is 28 years old, is having a hard time getting things done in the English Premier League.

Merino, a central midfielder, was thrown right into the deep end when Arteta’s main creator, Martin Odegaard, wasn’t available. It was a disappointing loss for his first start in England’s top flight.

The 29-cap To make up for the loss of their leader, Spain’s international was moved out of his normal spot and put in central attacking midfield. He had a hard time with having so little time on the ball compared to the top level of Spanish football.

Because of this, Merino, who was born in Pamplona, lost the ball 16 times before he was replaced in the 81st minute by Ethan Nwaneri, a prospect from the school. He also had a pass success rate of 68%, or 23/34, which is a worry given his position and job for the north Londoners.

The former Newcastle United player was known for being the best at winning sword fights, but he only won 40% of ground fights (4/10) and 60% of aerial fights (3/5). Football.After a long day at work, London gave the former Real Sociedad player a 5/10 on their player review sheet. Journalist Kaya Kaynak wrote that he seemed “a little ponderous in possession”:

One thing about his behavior that can’t be criticized is how hard he works. There was always Merino moving, trying to make room or follow a runner, but the things that are so important in English football haven’t been found yet.