Arsenal moved to within four points of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Leicester City.
Arsenal fans want Mikel Merino to start as centre forward as the Spanish midfielder came off the bench to grab a crucial brace for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Ethan Nwaneri shone in the Arsenal player ratings and produced a wonderful assist for Merino’s opener, the youngster was a constant thorn in the Leicester City defence.
Arsenal fans were furious with Raheem Sterling’s performance but after the game the focus was on the new Arsenal hero.
Mikel Arteta praises the ‘timing’ of Mikel Merino
Speaking at his post-match press conference of Leicester City v Arsenal, Arteta was full of praise for his super sub Merino.
Arteta stated: “Mikel is a goal threat, he’s got really good timing. He has the capacity to execute with that part of his body.”
The Spanish midfielder has been compared to Marouane Fellaini who also used to play the emergency striker role and Arteta was pleased with the result.
Arteta explained: ” The first 25 minutes we struggled to get momentum. The second half was very different, much more urgency. You could sense the game was going in the right direction.”
Merino has to start for Arsenal against West Ham
Despite securing an important three points, Arsenal were not at their best and for large parts of the game looked toothless in attacking areas.
Merino gave the Gunners some impetus in attack and a target to hit with crosses into the box, Arteta now has to start the midfielder in the striker role against West Ham.
West Ham will be sure to provide similar resistance to the Leicester defence and in Merino Arsenal now have a way to break down those stubborn low blocks.
The win was vital for the Gunners and all eyes are now on Liverpool to see how they respond at home to Wolves as Arsenal have moved to within four points of the summit.
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