Step aside Bukayo Saka, Micah Richards singles out one Arsenal star who has had a huge ‘effect’ on Mikel Arteta’s side

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Arsenal further strengthened their grip on the Premier League runners-up spot with a convincing 4-0 win at Ipswich Town.

Arsenal fans applauded Oleksandr Zinchenko for his performance in the victory at Portman Road but it was Leandro Trossard who stole the show with two goals.

Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri were also on the score sheet as the Gunners cruised to victory despite a Bukayo Saka injury scare following a challenge from defender Leif Davis.

Jamie Carragher praised Nwaneri by calling him a ‘star of the future’ but fellow pundit Micah Richards has singled out another Arsenal star for the ‘effect’ he has had on Mikel Arteta’s side recently.

READ MORE: What Mikel Arteta has said about Bukayo Saka’s injury after Arsenal star seen receiving treatment vs Ipswich

Micah Richards praises Mikel Merino’s ‘effect’ on Arsenal

Speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, Richards has singled out Mikel Merino for his recent role in Arsenal’s spectacular form.

Richards stated: “I want to talk a little word on Merino. I think he’s been really, you think about it, he’s played in a false nine,

“He played a little deeper today and he just had an effect on the game with his runs, with his passing, he’s very cute, he understands the game very well.”

The former Manchester City defender then went on to give his belief that confidence is flowing through the Gunners at the moment, especially in wide areas.

Richards explained: “I think when you’ve got the likes of Saka ad Martinelli in the form that they’re in as well, it helps. Trossard played a big role and after beating Real Madrid on two legs, you can just see the confidence oozing out them now.”

Mikel Merino match statistics v Ipswich

Arsenal fans have apologised to Merino following his run of recent form for ever doubting and criticising Arteta for signing the Spanish powerhouse.

He once again had a huge influence on the result against Ipswich by providing a majestic assist for Martinelli, showing the vision and technique he was known for in Spain.

Arteta now has a decision to make as to whether to keep Merino in his auxiliary striker position against PSG or to move him back into midfield following Thomas Partey’s suspension.

Whatever the manager decides one thing can be sure for the Gunners, Merino will be at the heart of their quest to get to only their second ever Champions League final.