Mikel Merino Admits Surprise at Arteta's Decision to Play Him Up Front After His Brace Gives Arsenal Win Over Leicester

Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES

Table of Contents

Mikel Merino reveals that being brought on as a striker was an unexpected move, as the Spaniard scored twice late on to secure Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino expressed his surprise after manager Mikel Arteta deployed him as a striker in the late stages of Arsenal’s match against Leicester City. The tactical switch paid off spectacularly, with Merino scoring twice to secure a 2-0 victory for the Gunners.

Merino, who had never played as a forward before, was brought on in the 69th minute to replace Raheem Sterling. “Arteta told me I was going to come in as a striker,” Merino revealed. “We were talking about it this morning with one of the assistants, and honestly, it was a surprise because it was the first time in my career that I played in that position.”

Despite his initial shock, Merino delivered an impressive performance, scoring his first goal from a cross by Ethan Nwaneri and adding a second late finish at the far post. “It’s funny because I only scored two more braces in my career, and it’s the first time I scored a brace coming off the bench as a striker,” he said.

Merino dedicated his brace to his wife, whom he had missed spending Valentine’s Day with. “It’s a good day to score because I forgot to give my wife something on Valentine’s Day, so this goes to her, and I think she will appreciate this more than some roses or some chocolates,” he added.

Arteta’s decision to use Merino as a makeshift striker was a gamble that paid off, lifting the spirits of the Arsenal squad and closing the gap to leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race. “It was a lot of debate. I didn’t want to drive him crazy. I said to him this morning that he might play there, we believe he could sit there if the game needed the context. He won the game for us,” Arteta said.

Merino’s unexpected heroics have added a new dimension to his role at Arsenal, and while he doesn’t see himself continuing as a striker, his performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout moment in his career.