Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a lively victory against Portsmouth.
The hosts made Fratton Park erupt just three minutes after kick-off as Colby Bishop put Portsmouth ahead.
It didn’t take long for Arsenal to turn things around, with an own goal and a Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick making up the 4-1 scoreline.
Mikel Arteta made 10 changes to his starting line-up, one of which was Mikel Merino’s introduction into defensive midfield, where the Spaniard assumed a deeper role.
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Portsmouth?
Arsenal fans loved Mikel Merino’s performance against Portsmouth
It was only last year that Arteta made Merino a striker, and now, the 29-year-old has shown even more versatility.
The Arsenal manager named Merino in a three-man midfield, seeing him take up a holding role to support Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri.
It’s fair to say Arsenal fans approved of Merino’s performance in the position, as reaction to his display came flooding in on X.
One X user wrote, “Mikel Merino that first 45 in the 6. Wow wow. His skillset suits that so so much better.”
Another agreed, calling the Spain international ‘10x’ the player in deeper midfield.
“We bought Merino as an 8, but he’s 10x the player as a 9 or 6.”
One fan compared Merino to Sergio Busquets: “Merino out there looking like Busquets.”
Having played as a striker and a number eight, Arsenal fans made it very clear that Merino is far better suited to the number six role.
“It’s hilarious how Merino is better at two other positions than his actual one.”
One Arsenal fan said, “Mikel Merino, I apologise! I was not familiar with your game. That’s one of the best performances I’ve seen from a 6 ever.”
In a nutshell, supporters didn’t want the win at Fratton Park to be the last time they see Merino playing deeper.
“Mikel Merino deserves to play full match at lone 6,” another agreed, “Merino in the 6 is moving me I can’t lie.”
Merino did everything right against Portsmouth
Merino has surprised Arteta with his versatility, and the boss will be even more stunned by what he’s just seen his 2024 signing do.
In a new role, the Spaniard was everywhere at Fratton Park, showcasing his vast skillset in all areas of the pitch.
Choose one position for Mikel Merino for the rest of his career.
From perfect dribbling to being strong in duels, Merino led by example in midfield, which was fitting as he sported the captain’s armband.
It was one of Merino’s best performances in an Arsenal shirt this season, and fans now want to see more of the same.
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