Replacement Mikel Merino admitted that his commitment as a striker was a surprise after his late double had moved the Arsenal four points behind leaders Liverpool with a third consecutive Premier League win and victory over Leicester City in King Power Stadium.
Known for his air floor as a midfielder, Spain International Merino was told by manager Mikel Arteta that he would come as a potential solution for the spit shortage of his side -minute cross before being caught in a second six minutes later in the low delivery of Leandro Trossard .
Arsenal finds the opener!
Mikel Merino goes home a brilliant cross from Ethan Nwaneri 🎯 🎯 🎯 🎯 🎯
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025
“It was the first time in my career I played in that position,” Merino told TNT Sports, adding that he had been informed by Arteta’s assistants on the trick before the game and told by his countryman to take care of it my power. “
“It’s a good time to score because I forgot my wife to give something before Valentine’s Day. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolate. ‘
The striker Arsenal needed 👀
Mikel Merino with a nice finish to score his second goal of the game!
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025
With Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli wounded and Kai Havertz who rose a hamstring injury last week during a training camp in Dubai, Arsenal started with Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Nwaneri in attack.
Nwaneri struck the woodwork twice in the second half, but the foxes were committed, almost the leadership itself after the break when only Myles Lewis-Skelly’s narrow intervention prevented Bobby de Cordova-Reid to tap Jordan Ayew.
“I don’t think so to be honest,” Merino replied when he was asked if he would continue in the attack and praised the 17-year-old Nwaneri. “It’s funny because I only scored two other brackets in my career.
“He is a great player. He is such a talent. I told him all season that I need that kind of balls when I arrive in the box. He has such a beautiful left foot that he put the right on my head, so I could only score. “
More to follow
