Arsenal returned from their trip to Dubai over the weekend as they took on Leicester City in Premier League action once again.
The Gunners looked to pick up another three points to help their cause in the division, but the hosts frustrated them for long periods.
With Mikel Arteta unable to name a recognised senior striker, following Kai Haverz’s season-ending hamstring injury, the blunt nature of the side became clear.
Arsenal probed Leicester’s defence but with little success until a change made all the difference, with Mikel Merino brought on as an auxiliary striker.
The midfielder-turned-striker made an impact as he scored twice late on to hand the North London side all three points.
As the conversation shifts towards the impact of Merino, former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has commented on what he changed.
Alan Shearer reveals Mikel Merino brought presence to Arsenal striker ranks
From the start of the game, Arteta started the trio of forwards he had available to him with Leandro Trossard as a centre-forward alongside Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri on the wings.
In truth, it was only really the latter who looked like creating something, putting in some teasing crosses and hitting the woodwork on one occasion.
The switch that changed it all saw Merino come on for Sterling, pushing Trossard to the left while the midfielder sat up front.
His goal from a headed cross and then a back post finish handed his side all three points and left Shearer impressed.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, he said: “The substitution works for Arsenal, Merino comes on and what happens is they now have a threat in the middle which they didn’t really have.
“He shifted Trossard out onto the left-hand side, he did ever so well in getting the second goal.
“Yes, they left it late, but they won’t be bothered Arsenal, it was about getting the three points.”
Mikel Arteta used his midfielders for goal threat
One thing that Arsenal will lack with Havertz out of action is a presence in the box, with the German international’s aerial threat and duel-winning ability going missing without him.
The lack of that was extremely clear in the opening moments of the game as Leicester’s deep block caused issues in breaking them down.
However, Arteta looked to solve that with the use of his midfielders, starting with a tweak for Declan Rice.
The England international was used for late runs into the box to win big headers and attempt to score from a few opportunities that landed his way.
It almost paid off for Rice, who went close on a few occasions, but it was his midfield team-mate who made all the difference.
Merino’s ability to get in the box and score was key, which could see him retain that position next up against West Ham.
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