Arsenal took on Ipswich in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon – and it was Mikel Merino who was the centre of attention from a lot of Gunners supporters.
After the immense high of defeating Real Madrid at the Bernabeau, it was a little bit of a different venue for the Gunners, as they travelled to Kenilworth Road on Easter Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side no longer prioritises the Premier League, but they weren’t going to let Liverpool snatch the title without a fight. The Gunners breezed past Ipswich, who surely looked like relegation certainties with a tough run of final games.
One of the players who stood out in the fixture had to be the Spaniard, Mikel Merino. This was dually noted on social media by fans.
Arsenal fans apologise for ever disrespecting Mikel Merino
There was a time that Arsenal supporters weren’t sure about Merino, which now with hindsight in our favour, looks incredibly silly.
Merino has been immense as of late, and his performance against Ipswich was no different. This has led many Gunners fans to owe an apology to the Spaniard.
A first writes: ‘Mikel Merino, I am sorry I didn’t recognise your game.’
‘Mikel Merino I apologise for everything i’ve said about you i haven’t got a clue mate’, says another.
One more puts: ‘People were abusing Mikel Merino. That brother has silently took up the battering ram role unselfishly for this club. Boyhood Arsenal fan. Apologies denied. Mad respect Mikel.’
Another adds to the sentiment: ‘Mikel Merino. Sorry for the early season slander.’
Leif Davis’ red card incident will likely steal the headlines, but Merino stole the show on the pitch with a fantastic display. Gunners fans – let your apology be as loud as your disrespect.
Mikel Merino’s game by numbers against Ipswich
Not only did Merino produce a simply ludicrous assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal – his all-round game in the Premier League clash was simply sensational.
Merino stats vs Ipswich
| Stat | Value |
| Assists | 1 |
| Total shots | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 11/16 (69%) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Touches | 32 |
| Touches in opposition box | 4 |
| Passes into final third | 1 |
| Accurate crosses | 1/1 (100%) |
| Tackles won | 4/6 (67%) |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
| Duels won | 10 |
He just keeps getting better. Merino helped destroy Real Madrid, but is proving to be one of Arteta’s finest assets this season.
Signing of the season? Most definitely from an Arsenal perspective, and maybe even in the entirety of the Premier League.
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