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Mikel Merino made a significant impact off the bench, scoring a quickfire double as a makeshift forward; Arsenal reduced the gap to four points on leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, thanks to a late double from substitute Mikel Merino. The win moves Arsenal within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The first half was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi came close with a volley from the edge of the box, but Arsenal’s David Raya made a comfortable save. Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri also struck the woodwork twice, with his efforts hitting the crossbar and post.
The second half saw Arsenal increase their attacking efforts, but it wasn’t until the 80th minute that the deadlock was broken. Mikel Arteta brought on Merino as an emergency center forward, and the Spaniard made an immediate impact. Merino headed in from Ethan Nwaneri’s cross to give Arsenal the lead. Just six minutes later, Merino doubled his tally, sweeping home from Leandro Trossard’s low center to seal the win.
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