Arsenal fans on X are unhappy with Mikel Arteta’s decision to name Mikel Merino as a starter for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa. The two sides are set to face off at Villa Park on Saturday, December 6.Arteta made three alterations to his starting lineup that defeated Brentford in midweek, with Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze coming on for Christian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli. Mosquera was excluded from the matchday squad after he picked up an ankle injury in midweek.Mernio, who has been Arsenal’s makeshift striker, is deployed as a center-forward, with summer signing Viktor Gyökeres sitting among the substitutes. However, the tactical setup didn’t sit well with many Gunner supporters, as they believe Gyökeres should have started ahead of the Spaniard.One wrote:“Good lineup, but I think Gyökeres should have started ahead of Merino. We need Gyökeres pressing from the start, and Merino needs rest to stay fit for the busy December fixtures.”KINGS.OF.ARSENAL👑 @AFCkingszLINK@Arsenal Good lineup, but I think Gyökeres should have started ahead of Merino. We need Gyökeres pressing from the start, and Merino needs rest to stay fit for the busy December fixtures.Another tweeted:“We need to talk about why Gyokeres does not start for us of recent.”Andrew Perez @perezreturnsLINK@Arsenal We need to talk about why Gyokeres does not start for us of recent“Wow, went with Merino over Gyökeres. Big move Much excite!” a fan added.acceler8future @acceler8futureLINK@Arsenal Wow, went with Merino over Gyokeres Big move Much excite!Another queried:“Why Merino up front again? Please don’t overdo this ffs.”Charles 🥷🏻 @AfcN5CharlesLINK@Arsenal Why Merino up front again? Please don’t overdo this ffs.A fifth suggested:“Should’ve played Gyokeres. Villa play a high line. Why play slow players who never run in behind against a team who pushes up to the half way line. Villa must be happy with this lineup.”MH09 @MH0956607604LINK@Arsenal Should’ve played Gyokeres. Villa play a high line. Why play slow players who never run in behind against a team who pushes up to the half way line. Villa must be happy with this lineup“So because Merino is scoring, Arteta doesn’t wanna play Gyokores( a natural striker)?” one chimed in.Coconut head.💐 @_Kizo1995LINK@Arsenal So because Merino is scoring, Arteta doesn’t wanna play Gyokores( a natural striker)?“Merino shouldn't be starting this game imo after playing 4 games in the space of 10 days but again, what do I know?” another suggested.Bumcrypto Spy @BashirJasperLINK@Arsenal Merino shouldn't be starting this game imo after playing 4 games in the space of 10 days but again, what do I know?Another supporter decried the decision, saying:“OMo Gyokeres de fit Arteta still de use merino 😭😭.”Alen😡💛 @SpyalenLINK@Arsenal OMo Gyokeres de fit Arteta still de use merino 😭😭Mikel Arteta says Mikel Merino ‘has earned’ striking role at ArsenalMikel Arteta said on Friday that midfielder Mikel Merino has earned the right to be considered for a striking role even when other forwards are fit. Before joining Arsenal, Merino had never been used as a No. 9. However, the 29-year-old scored nine goals in his first campaign at the Emirates, filling in for the injured Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.Ahead of the match against Villa, Arteta was asked if Merino will be considered a striker when all strikers are fit, to which he said:“I think he has earned at least the thinking behind it with the way he’s performing and the impact that he’s bringing to the team, so that’s a yes.”So far this season, Merino has scored five goals across competitions, helping propel Arsenal to the top of the table.