Arteta Faces Trust Questions as Gyokeres Eyes Potential Sporting Reunion

Arsenal currently hold pole position in the Premier League standings. However, with Manchester City breathing down their necks, manager Mikel Arteta requires his entire squad performing at peak levels.

The North London club has impressed throughout the campaign, dominating both domestically and on the continental stage. After securing top spot in their Champions League group, they'll square off against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 this coming March.

Speaking recently about maintaining concentration during this pivotal stretch, Arteta commented: "We have to live in the present and the present is beautiful. We are exactly where we want to be in every competition."

However, questions have emerged regarding Arteta's squad management approach. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has raised concerns about how the Spanish manager utilizes specific players.

Merson Raises Concerns Over Arteta's Player Management

The ex-Gunners star believes Arteta lacks sufficient confidence in Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The pair both netted twice in Arsenal's commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham recently.

During his appearance on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Merson highlighted the exceptional chemistry between the two attackers. "If these two hit fire until the end of the season, Arsenal win the league," he stated. "If they can go and be 8/10 every week."

Eze was recruited to provide that game-changing ability to break down stubborn defences in challenging matches. His graceful ball control and ability to navigate past opponents makes him a valuable asset.

For those analyzing Arsenal's championship prospects, the consistent form of Gyokeres and Eze becomes paramount. Should Arteta fail to provide them regular minutes, it could impact the Gunners' chances of maintaining their advantage over City down the stretch.

Yet Merson remains unconvinced about Arteta's faith in certain squad members. "I don't think he does [with] a lot of people," Merson elaborated. "I think Arteta plays on sparks where he'll watch someone do something wrong and, 'Oh, you're out of the team.'"

He referenced instances such as Riccardo Calafiori experiencing one subpar performance before being benched. Similarly, Eze made a defensive error against Aston Villa and subsequently saw limited action.

Potential Awkward Champions League Encounter for Gyokeres

In European competition, an intriguing storyline is developing. Gyokeres could potentially meet his previous club Sporting CP should both sides advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Swedish forward transferred to Arsenal last summer in a £64 million deal following a contentious departure from Portugal. His failure to report for pre-season training at Sporting generated considerable controversy.

Gyokeres addressed the situation via Instagram at the time: "There's a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right."

The striker could now find himself confronting his former employers. Arsenal face Leverkusen while Sporting battle Bodo-Glimt in the round of 16. Victories in both fixtures would set up a quarter-final showdown.

Sporting's boss Rui Borges maintained there's no animosity regarding Gyokeres' exit. "I wish him the best of luck in the world, he marked an era in our football," Borges commented.

Though he clarified those warm sentiments would vanish if the clubs meet in Europe. This possible encounter could inject additional drama into Arsenal's already compelling Champions League journey.