Mikel Merino delivered a match-winning performance in an unfamiliar role as an emergency centre forward, scoring twice to lead Arsenal to a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester. With key players Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz sidelined, manager Mikel Arteta was forced to make changes late in the match, but the decision to introduce Merino paid off handsomely.
Here’s how the match unfolded:
A Flat First Half
After a 10-day break since their Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle, Arsenal looked to assert their dominance early in the match but struggled to break down Leicester’s defense.
- Notable moments in the first half:
- Good work from Ethan Nwaneri created a few opportunities, though the final deliveries from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri himself lacked precision.
- Leicester had their first shot on target through Wilfred Ndidi, whose powerful shot was comfortably handled by goalkeeper David Raya.
- Arsenal’s best chance came just before half-time, when Martin Odegaard was dispossessed while preparing to shoot and Leandro Trossard failed to connect with a lofted pass from the captain.
- At the very end of the first half, Leicester almost went ahead when Ndidi had a free header in stoppage time, but Raya was well-positioned to watch the ball sail wide.
Despite Arsenal’s control over possession, the game remained goalless at the break.
Game Opens Up in the Second Half
The Gunners began the second half with more attacking intent, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. The turning point came when Mikel Arteta introduced Merino as a centre forward, replacing Raheem Sterling.
- Key moments in the second half:
- Arsenal had a three-on-two counterattack early in the half, but Rice’s pass to Sterling was slightly off-target, resulting in the opportunity being squandered.
- Nwaneri was lively, testing the goalkeeper with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 60th minute.
- Merino, playing out of position as a striker, had an immediate impact. He was close to scoring from a dangerous cross from Jurrien Timber, but just missed out.
- At the other end, Leicester nearly capitalized on a defensive slip when Jordan Ayew’s low cross was cleared off the line by Lewis-Skelly.
Merino Answers the Call
With the game still scoreless and Arsenal pushing forward, Merino proved to be the hero, scoring both goals to turn the match in Arsenal’s favor.
- The first goal: In the 80th minute, Nwaneri’s cross from the right found Merino at the far post. The Spaniard rose highest to head the ball firmly into the net, breaking the deadlock.
- The second goal: Just minutes later, Merino sealed the win with another clinical finish, this time from Leandro Trossard’s low ball across the six-yard box. Merino’s composed left-footed finish wrapped up the victory in style.
It was a remarkable brace from the midfielder-turned-striker, securing a vital win for Arsenal and putting them back within four points of league leaders, before Liverpool’s match on Sunday.
Match Stats
| Statistic | Arsenal | Leicester |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 9 | 6 |
| Corners | 3 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% | 79% |
| Tackles | 14 | 11 |
Key Takeaways
- Merino’s Heroics: Mikel Merino’s two goals secured an unlikely victory for Arsenal, showing the importance of squad depth in times of injury crisis.
- Unbeaten Run: The win extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to 15 matches, their longest such streak since 2011.
- Rising to the Challenge: With key players injured, Arteta’s tactical flexibility, particularly in deploying Merino as a centre forward, made all the difference on a frustrating afternoon.
Arsenal’s 2-0 win in Leicester keeps their title hopes alive and ensures they remain firmly in the hunt for top honors this season.
Check also: Premier League Matchday 25: Predictions & Betting Tips
