Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
Mikel Arteta’s side asserted their dominance over the French champions as they went 2-0 up by half-time, and controlled the game in the second half to secure their first victory in this season’s Champions League campaign.
There were further positives as two players made their competition debuts, with summer signing Mikel Merino returning from injury to appear for the first time, and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly coming off the bench to make his first appearance in Europe.
The 28-year-old joined in the summer from Real Sociedad, but picked up an injury in his first training session, which ruled Merino out of action until his recent return.
Fans were excited to see the Euro 2024 winner make his Arsenal debut, and those watching in the Emirates Stadium already had a new chant ready for the midfielder as he came on for Thomas Partey.
Arsenal fans revive Santi Cazorla chant for Mikel Merino as he makes debut vs PSG
As the clock reached the 64th minute of the game, Arteta decided that the Emirates Stadium was ready to see their summer signing in action, and substituted Partey off for Merino.
Merino received a huge round of applause, and in the Clock End where I was sat, fans already had a chant for him.
The Arsenal fans sang “Oh Mikel Merino,” to the tune of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, in a revival of the chant previously sung for Santi Cazorla.
With Merino aiming to become Arsenal’s most popular Spanish midfielder since Cazorla left in 2018, it is only fitting that he was welcomed with his iconic song. However, it feels likely that this chant will change very soon.
Why Arsenal fans are likely to change Mikel Merino chant
Although a popular song which went down well during Cazorla’s time at the club, Arsenal fans are likely to change Merino’s chant as he eventually comes into the starting XI.
His delayed start to life at Arsenal meant that fans had not yet thought of a song for him, but with Merino impressing on his debut as he won several tackles almost instantly, it already feels like he is going to become a fan favourite.
Arsenal fans have created several longer and more creative chants for individual players and staff in the last two seasons, and if Merino continues to impress, it will not be long before he has a personalised chant of his own, instead of Cazorla’s old song being used.
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