Mikel Merino reveals his reaction to being aske to play as Arsenal’s emergency striker
Mikel Merino admitte it was a huge surprise to be aske to fill in as Arsenal’s emergency striker in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win against Leicester City.
An injury ravage side looke set to drop two เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย valuable points in the title race as the stubborn Foxes blunte an attack that was missing the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Spain international Merino has endure a difficult start to his Arsenal career following his summer arrival from Real Sociedad.
Injuries have contribute to a lack of starting opportunities and few imagine 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 aske 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 score two more braces in my career and it’s the first time I score a brace coming off the bench as a striker.
‘It’s a good day to score because I forgot to give my wife something 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 score the goals, it was Nwaneri who walke away with the man of the match award after another majestic display.