Mikel Merino makes ‘amazing’ Arsenal admission after making ‘tough’ debut in win over PSG

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Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino finally made his debut for the club after arriving in August.

Merino’s debut was a long time coming, as the Spaniard suffered an incredibly frustrating injury during his first training session at the club. 

Suffering a broken collar bone, the midfielder was forced to put plans of his debut on hold, missing all the action until Tuesday night’s duel with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mikel Arteta handed the summer signing his debut at the Emirates 64 minutes into the Champions League clash with PSG, with the 28-year-old now reacting to his first moments on the pitch. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs PSG, Mikel Merino debut verdict as one player a standout 9/10

Mikel Merino admits Arsenal debut vs PSG was tough

Arsenal beat the Parisians 2-0 on a magical night in N5, claiming their first three points of the tournament’s new format. 

The Gunners’ work in attack was already done when Merino was introduced to a standing ovation at the Emirates.

First-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave the hosts a two-goal lead to defend, which Merino helped with just after the hour mark.

Speaking to the media after his first cameo, the Euro 2024 winner admitted it was a ‘tough’ environment to be welcomed into, given the narrative of the game at that point.

“It was tough to be honest, I think it was a really difficult moment to come in because they [PSG] were 2-0 down and it was a time where they were about to put everything on the table and go for it and risk a lot.

“I think we did an amazing job, you could see the commitment of the team and the work that we put in,” the midfielder said regarding Arsenal’s defensive work in the second half.

Ian Wright was ‘delighted’ to see Merino in action against PSG, as the club icon raved about what is yet to come between the Spaniard and midfield partner Declan Rice.

Early signs of Merino are encouraging

Just as Arteta thought he could unleash his best midfield combination, Merino was ruled out shortly after arriving. 

Thomas Partey kept his place in the XI as a result, seeing Rice play on the left side of central midfield alongside Martin Odegaard.

Now that Merino is available, Arteta has the ability to allow Rice to drop back into his favoured holding position, with the summer signing being an expert at the number eight role.

Against PSG, the Spain international made his presence known quickly, as seen by his four duel wins and tidy passing, adding further stability to the middle of the park.

It will be interesting to see how Arteta opts to line up in the next fixture against Southampton, with the possibility there for Merino to make his Premier League debut.