Merino targets Arsenal quadruple as Gyokeres earns 2/10 in Champions League return

Mikel Merino has insisted Arsenal can win the quadruple this season, even as new striker Viktor Gyokeres drew sharp criticism from French media following a muted Champions League performance against Lille on Tuesday.

Merino sets the target

The Spain international midfielder was unequivocal when asked whether Arsenal could become the first English club in history to win all four major trophies in a single season. “Absolutely,” Merino said. “This is the mentality. This is the aim. We were so, so close last season and that proved to us we are ready for it. Now it’s about details, being present and ready in the right moments. And we believe that.”

Merino acknowledged the scale of the challenge but pointed to the squad’s Champions League form as evidence of their readiness. “It’s an unbelievable run. We know we’re making history in the competition,” he said. “The goal is to win the Champions League, the Premier League, to win everything. That’s what the manager wants. That’s what the fans want. That’s what we as players want as well.”

Arsenal have won nine of their first ten games across all competitions this season, with their only Premier League defeat coming against Brighton. In Europe, Mikel Arteta’s side have now strung together 14 consecutive group-stage wins — a record in the competition.

Gyokeres struggles on Champions League debut

While Merino was bullish about Arsenal’s prospects, Gyokeres endured a difficult evening against Lille. The Sweden international had arrived at the Emirates in fine international form, scoring in all four of Sweden’s Nations League fixtures during the break, but he struggled to make an impact when handed a start ahead of Kai Havertz.

Gyokeres was substituted in the 65th minute having touched the ball just 12 times and failing to register a single shot on target. French outlet L’Equipe awarded him a 2/10 rating, while Foot Mercato was similarly unimpressed with his contribution.

The result itself was not in doubt. Arsenal trailed at half-time before goals from Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka sealed a 3-1 victory and kept their European record intact.

Forest test next

Arsenal now turn their attention to the Premier League, where Nottingham Forest visit on Sunday. Arteta’s side will be looking to maintain the domestic momentum that has kept them in contention at the top of the table, with the manager pointing to consistency as the foundation of their ambitions. “We carry on playing the way we do, performing that way in the competition,” Arteta said. “I’m sure we can do that more, but we have to earn it because it’s big.”