(Credits: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
Mikel Merino admitted it was a huge surprise to be asked to fill in as Arsenal’s emergency striker in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win against Leicester City.
An injury ravaged side looked set to drop two valuable points in the title race as the stubborn Foxes blunted an attack that was missing the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Spain international Merino has endured a difficult start to his Arsenal career following his summer arrival from Real Sociedad.
Injuries have contributed to a lack of starting opportunities and few imagined he would emerge as the matchwinning hero at the King Power when he was brought on with 20 minutes remaining.
Tasked with leading the line for the first time in his career, the 28-year-old made a near instant impact, heading home Ethan Nwaneri’s cross before doubling his tally at the death with a neat far post finish to cap a flowing move.
‘He [Arteta] told me I was going to come in as a striker,’ said Merino when asked about what ultimately turned out to be a masterstroke by his manager.
‘We were talking about it this morning a little bit with one of the assistants. Honestly, it was a surprise because it was the first time in my career that I played in that position but he told me to play as a striker, make sure I go with my strengths and I think luckily I helped the team today.’
Asked if the experiment was likely to continue, Merino added: ‘I don’t know I don’t think so to be honest.
‘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.
‘It’s a good day to score because I didn’t see my wife on Valentines day so this goes to her and I think she will appreciate this more than some roses or some chocolates.’
While it was Merino who scored the goals, it was Nwaneri who walked away with the man of the match award after another majestic display.
‘He’s an amazing player. Every time I do an interview you guys ask me about him but this is natural because he’s such a talent,’ said Merino of his teenage teammate.
‘Luckily for him today he crossed the ball I’ve been talking to him all season I need those kind of balls when I’m arriving in the box and he has such a wonderful left foot that he put it right on my head an I could only score.’
After a testing week following the news of Havertz’s injury, Arsenal are now just four points behind Liverpool, albeit having played a game more, ahead of the Reds’ game with Wolves on Sunday.
Merino added; ‘This is a long, long season. We have to keep the foot on the gas and I think if we keep doing this job good things will come in the future.’
