Arsenal fans criticize one player despite their Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.

Arsenal fans express frustration with one player despite their 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace.

The quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup kicked off on Wednesday night, featuring top Premier League teams battling for a spot in the semi-finals.

Crystal Palace took the lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Gabriel Jesus responded with a stunning hat-trick to secure Arsenal’s win. However, one player’s performance drew criticism from fans, who voiced their displeasure online.

Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal in the summer for a reported fee of up to £31.6m including add-ons, has struggled to make an impact. Fans appear to have run out of patience.

Commenting on his display, one fan wrote: “Merino moves like he’s got cement in his boots. I’m tired of these bouncers—give me real footballers!”

Another remarked: “Merino is easily one of the most disappointing signings of the Emirates era.”

A third vented: “Honestly, just watching Merino run around doing nothing drives me crazy.”

Meanwhile, one fan joked: “Mikel Arteta has had more touches than Merino tonight, and Arteta retired 1

2 years ago.”