Paul Merson believes Arteta could finally drop ‘shocking’ Arsenal player on Boxing Day

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has described Gunners forward Willian as “shocking” and is unsure whether Mikel Arteta will even start him in their Premier League Boxing Day fixture.

The 32-year-old arrived at the Emirates Stadium to much fanfare in the summer, signing a three-year deal reportedly worth £220,000-a-week after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.

Willian hit the ground running in his first competitive game for Arsenal, registering two assists and putting in a man-of-the-match display in the Premier League opener at Fulham.

However, most of his performances since that game have been average at best and downright poor at worst, struggling to justify the Gunners’ outlay on him.

On Saturday, Arsenal host Willian’s former club at the Emirates Stadium, and Merson doubts whether the summer signing will even be selected on current form.

“He’s been shocking,” the former Gunners playmaker told Sky Sports.

“I’m a big fan of Willian and at Chelsea he was unbelievable. At times, he was unplayable but he is a shadow of his former self and I don’t know what it is.

“He’s the only one you can ask and again it must come down to confidence. I’m not sure he will play. He’s had enough chances to play, more than the other younger players.”

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Arsenal have been woeful in recent weeks and Willian has contributed very little for Arteta’s side, with an increasing number of fans and pundits questioning his signing and continued selection.

With the Gunners in such poor form at present, Arteta really should gamble by playing the Hale End graduates more often, given they’ve done well in the Europa League, albeit against easier opposition.