'Big problem': Paul Merson says Mikel Arteta has a serious issue before Arsenal face Man City

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Arsenal face what could end up being their toughest task of the season this weekend as they head to the Etihad to face Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's side have been a winning machine in recent years, and they've started this season brilliantly.

City have four wins from four, while Erling Haaland has scored more goals than any other club in the Premier League has managed so far.

Arsenal, are, of course, City's closest challengers at the moment, but according to Paul Merson, the Gunners head into this game with a big problem.

Indeed, speaking to Sky Sports, Merson has claimed that the absence of Martin Odegaard this weekend is a big issue for Arsenal that will cause Mikel Arteta a serious selection headache.

Paul Merson says Arsenal have a big problem

Merson spoke ahead of Arsenal's game against Manchester City.

"There's a big problem this weekend again, no Odegaard this weekend again, but he has Rice back. Another headache now Arteta, does he play Jorginho or does he play Trossard?" Merson said.

Arsenal need to dig deep

Arsenal do still have a chance of getting a result against Manchester City this weekend, but they will have to dig deep in order to get a win here.

Indeed, the Gunners aren't going to play City off the park without Odegaard in their team.

Arsenal will have to keep things tight at the back and try to take Man City out on the break, because, without Odegaard, they're going to struggle to control this midfield battle.

Of course, we've seen City beaten by teams who have sat back before, but this game could make for frustrating viewing if Arsenal head into the match looking to catch the Premier League champions on the counter.

This will certainly be an intriguing encounter between two top sides, and, ultimately, this match could have a huge say on how the title race pans out later in the campaign.