Viktor Gyokeres is understood to be a doubt for Arsenal ahead of the North London Derby as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury.
At first, Arsenal were hopeful that Gyokeres would be fit to face Tottenham; however, it has since been revealed that the Swede remains a doubt.
Gyokeres has an important role at Arsenal, and without his presence, the Gunners are far less efficient when going forward and when keeping shape.
The situation is one of nightmares for Mikel Arteta, who is also without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, opening the door for Mikel Merino to fill in once again.
Though some are sceptical about what Merino can offer, given that he’s not a striker by trade, one thing about the Spaniard could actually gift Arsenal an additional threat against Spurs.
Mikel Merino’s record in London derbies makes him Arsenal’s secret weapon against Tottenham
Merino’s scoring record for club and country in 2025 has been outstanding and something that very few would’ve anticipated at the start of the year.
The news of Gyokeres’ injury would’ve been a relief to Spurs, though Arsenal’s rivals wouldn’t have felt the feeling for very long upon realising that Merino could take over.
That’s because 37.5% of Merino’s Premier League goals have been scored in London derbies.
Out of the eight goals the midfielder has scored in the English top flight, three have come against Fulham, Brentford and Chelsea, all clubs from London.
It’s also important to recognise that a further three of Merino’s Premier League goals have been scored against top-six opposition, finding the net against Liverpool and Newcastle.
When it comes to facing Arsenal’s neighbours and Arsenal’s rivals, Merino doesn’t leave any stone unturned, making him a possible secret weapon that Arteta can unleash to punish Spurs.
Merino has a point to prove against Tottenham
Not only will Merino be eager to step up if Gyokeres is not available to play, but the Spaniard also has a motivation to feature against Spurs due to his record in the North London Derby.
Since his 2024 transfer, the former Real Sociedad star has only managed to record nine minutes of action against Tottenham.
Merino missed the first North London Derby of the 2024/25 season due to injury, and later in the campaign, he was a substitute at the Emirates, only playing nine minutes by the time he was introduced.
Heroes are made in the North London Derby, but will Merino be the next?
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