Arsenal’s hunt for a reliable striker has been a recurring headache for manager Mikel Arteta this season. But in a twist of fate, the solution may have been hiding in plain sight—midfielder Mikel Merino, who stepped up in spectacular fashion during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City.
The Gunners entered the match at King Power Stadium looking disjointed in attack, with Leandro Trossard deployed as a false nine. The experiment failed to yield results, leaving Arsenal frustrated and their title hopes hanging in the balance. However, Arteta’s decision to introduce Merino in the 69th minute proved to be a masterstroke. The Spanish midfielder, signed from Real Sociedad for £32.6 million last summer, delivered a match-winning performance, scoring both goals to secure a crucial victory.
Merino’s double marked his first brace since 2016 and couldn’t have come at a better time for Arsenal, who are grappling with the absence of key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus due to injury. While defenders William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori had been floated as potential stopgap solutions, it was Merino who seized the moment, showcasing his versatility and composure in front of goal.
Arteta was full of praise for the 6ft 2in midfielder, highlighting his intelligence and timing in the box. “Mikel has a sense of danger and great timing in the box,” the manager said. “He can smell danger, anticipate the action, and execute. He delivered when we needed him most.”
The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 15 Premier League games—their best streak since the 2010-11 season under Arsène Wenger. While Merino’s heroics stole the headlines, the performance of 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri also deserved recognition. The teenager was a constant threat, providing the assist for Merino’s first goal and hitting the woodwork twice in a display of maturity beyond his years.
Nwaneri’s fellow academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly, also impressed, making a crucial defensive intervention to deny Leicester a clear scoring opportunity. Arteta lauded the young duo, saying, “Physically, emotionally, and mentally, they are built in a really special way. Their composure and decision-making are impressive for their age.”
For Leicester, it was a day of frustration as they struggled to break down a resolute Arsenal defense. The Foxes held firm for much of the game, but Merino’s late double shattered their resistance.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s struggles continued. The former England forward, who has yet to find his footing at Arsenal after a difficult spell at Chelsea, was substituted after an underwhelming performance. Sterling’s lack of confidence and sharpness was evident, leaving Arteta with little choice but to turn to Merino.
The Spaniard, however, played down suggestions that he could become a regular striker. “I don’t think so, to be honest,” Merino said with a smile. “It’s the first time I’ve scored two goals coming off the bench as a striker. But the way this team plays, everyone knows their role, and I just tried to emulate the injured players.”
In a touching post-match moment, Merino dedicated his performance to his wife, joking that his goals were a belated Valentine’s Day gift. “I forgot to give her something for Valentine’s Day,” he said. “I think she’ll appreciate this more than roses and chocolate.”
While Merino’s future role remains uncertain, his impact against Leicester has given Arteta plenty to ponder. With Arsenal firmly in the title race, the Gunners’ ability to adapt and find solutions in unexpected places could prove decisive in the weeks ahead.
For now, Merino’s heroics have not only kept Arsenal’s title dreams alive but also provided a timely reminder of the depth and resilience within Arteta’s squad. As the season enters its decisive phase, the Gunners will hope this unlikely twist is just the beginning of a successful run.
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