Mikel Merino was finally able to make his Arsenal debut against PSG last night.
Arsenal were able to beat PSG 2-0 in a Champions League showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
A strong first half gave Mikel Arteta’s side a platform to build their victory on. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead before the break, and the hosts were then able to see out the match in relative comfort.
This state of play allowed the Spanish coach to make changes in the second half, including bringing on Mikel Merino in the 64th minute, as he replaced Thomas Partey to make his debut for the North London club.
Having been signed from Real Sociedad in the recent summer transfer window, an early injury has prevented the Spanish midfielder from featuring for the Gunners so far. Merino recently returned to training though and is clearly raring to go.
He joined Declan Rice in the middle of the park last night, and Arteta will be hoping that the pair can quickly strike up an effective relationship on the pitch.
Arsenal fans get glimpse of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice partnership vs PSG
Many Arsenal fans on X believe that that there are already positive signs that Rice and Merino can flourish together after their outing against the French outfit.
Certainly, they are excited about what Merino has to offer.
One said: “The man tackles so well.”
Another stated: “Was interesting to watch how he worked the edge of our box and then appeared around their box with rice doing more of a defending role.”
One claimed: “Thought Mikel Merino was fantastic when he came on for his Arsenal debut against PSG last night. The first thing he did was win a duel. He’s going to be a terrific signing. Can’t wait until he starts, and can’t wait til we have a better chant for him.”
Another added: “Mikel merino is who we need to win the treble.”
Why Rice and Merino will thrive together under Mikel Arteta
Partnerships on the pitch have underpinned Arsenal’s success in recent seasons. For instance, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba work brilliantly together at the back, whilst Saka and Martin Odegaard regularly combine to great effect in the final third.
Rice and Merino have qualities that ought to blend together well. Both players offer physicality and impressive athleticism, and can crash into the box to offer a goal threat. This means that they should, once they are more familiar with one another, be able to rotate and interchange fluently whilst on the pitch, making the Gunners more unpredictable.
Arteta has revealed his plan for Rice and Merino, and Arsenal fans are finally seeing it in action.
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