Oct 9, 2026

Arteta Amazed by Merino and Gyökeres International Form: “What Am I Doing?

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in sport

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London, October 9, 2026 — Mikel Arteta has expressed a mix of pride and light-hearted self-reflection after watching Arsenal duo Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyökeres deliver standout performances for their national teams during the international break.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League home match against Leeds United, the Arsenal manager admitted his first instinct upon seeing the pair thrive was a manager’s classic frustration.

“Well, the first reaction is, ‘What am I doing? They don’t do this!’ Or, ‘I haven’t given them the opportunity to do this.’ That’s a natural one, you know,” Arteta said. “And then you obviously are really happy.”

The Spaniard singled out Merino’s remarkable transformation with Spain. Before joining Arsenal, the midfielder scored roughly once every 13 games for his country.

Since arriving in north London, that rate has improved dramatically to a goal every 93 minutes.

Merino then scored twice the evening after Arteta reminded him of the statistic, further sharpening the numbers.

“I was talking to Mikel the day before he played his last game. I said, ‘Mikel, do you remember before you came to us, I think you used to score one goal every 13 games for the national team? Since you’ve been here, you score one in every 93 minutes.’ And then he scored two the next evening, so this number is even down,” Arteta explained with clear satisfaction.

Gyökeres has been equally impressive for Sweden. The striker found the net in multiple Nations League matches during the window, contributing to a strong run that included consecutive scoring appearances and helping Graham Potter’s side top their group.

His club form this season has been more restricted, with limited Premier League minutes behind Kai Havertz, making the international output particularly timely.

Arteta was quick to underline his genuine pleasure at seeing both players succeed on the international stage. “I’m very happy that they are able to help their national teams. I haven’t done it, but it should be one of the best feelings to represent your country and do it in such a way.”

The comments come at a pivotal moment for Arsenal. Havertz returned early from Germany duty with a muscular issue and remains a doubt for the Leeds game, opening the door for either Gyökeres or Merino to lead the line.

Merino has previously impressed as an emergency center-forward for the Gunners, while Gyökeres will be eager to translate his Swedish form into regular Arsenal minutes.

Both players have endured quieter starts to the 2026/27 campaign at club level. Merino has been used sparingly in midfield, and Gyökeres has largely watched from the bench as Havertz started regularly.

Their international displays have now handed Arteta a selection headache—and a reminder of the quality available in his squad.

As Arsenal prepare to host Leeds at the Emirates, Arteta’s pride in his players’ contributions for Spain and Sweden is clear. Whether that form carries over into Premier League action remains the next chapter in their stories.