‘Gyokeres can learn from Merino’ — Arsenal icon tells Arteta to keep Swede on the bench in big games

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea has sparked a fresh debate over who should lead the line for the Gunners in high-stakes matches, and former club favourite Theo Walcott has made his stance clear.

After watching Mikel Merino drag Arsenal back into the game with a decisive equaliser, the ex-England winger urged Mikel Arteta to place his trust in the Spaniard, even if it means keeping star signing Viktor Gyokeres on the bench for the biggest fixtures.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the pulsating derby, Walcott insisted that Merino has earned the right to be Arsenal’s first-choice striker when the pressure peaks.

“Mikel Merino is more trusted in the big games, he’s a player that you know what you’re going to get,” he said, praising the midfielder-turned-forward’s consistency and composure.

Walcott also believes Gyokeres, who returned from injury and came on as a second-half substitute, still has learning to do before he can fully command the position. “I think Gyokeres will be more of an impact player in the big games, he’ll learn a lot from what Merino does,” Walcott added.

Gyokeres struggled to influence proceedings after coming on, missing a late chance that could have sealed victory, while Merino, in contrast, delivered yet again, scoring his second Premier League goal of the 2025/26 campaign to rescue a crucial point for the league leaders.

The fiery London derby offered plenty of clues as to why Walcott is pushing for Merino to remain Arteta’s go-to option.

Chelsea, despite going down to ten men after Moisés Caicedo’s red card in the 38th minute, produced a gritty and well-organised defensive display. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with both sides riding high following midweek European victories.

Even with reduced numbers, Chelsea stunned the Gunners early in the second half when Trevoh Chalobah flicked in a clever near-post header from Reece James’ corner.

But Arsenal responded through Merino, who powered home Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint cross just eleven minutes later, showing precisely what Walcott was referring to.

For Chelsea, the point carries immense pride given the circumstances; while for Arsenal, it keeps them ahead at the top, but also raises an increasingly relevant question.