No striker, no problem for Arsenal as Merino scored a brace after coming on in the last ten minutes of normal time.
Image credit: Sky Sports Premier League
Arsenal boosted their Premier League title hopes with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Leicester City, thanks to a stunning late double from Mikel Merino.
With just ten minutes left on the clock and the game still goalless, the Spanish midfielder stepped up when it mattered most.
His 81st-minute strike, set up by 17-year-old sensation Ethan Nwaneri, finally broke the deadlock at the King Power Stadium.
Merino then sealed the win six minutes later, turning in a Leandro Trossard assist to spark jubilant celebrations among Arsenal fans.
The result moves Mikel Arteta’s side within four points of leaders Liverpool, keeping their title dream alive.
Arsenal’s Striker Crisis? No Problem for Merino
For much of the game, Arsenal’s lack of firepower was evident.
With Kai Havertz sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained on their mid-season trip to Dubai, and Raheem Sterling struggling for form, the Gunners lacked a cutting edge up front.
Enter Mikel Merino. The midfielder, usually deployed in a deeper role, was sent on to replace the ineffective Sterling—and it proved to be a game-changing decision by Arteta.
Merino’s first goal came after Nwaneri, Arsenal’s most dangerous player on the night, saw his effort rebound off the post. The 23-year-old pounced at the far post, guiding the ball past Leicester’s goalkeeper.
His second was just as clinical, arriving in the 87th minute to crush any hopes of a Leicester comeback.
Despite not being a traditional striker, Merino showed an instinct for goal that could provide Arteta with an unexpected solution in attack.
Leicester’s Struggles Deepen Amid Fan Protests
Leicester City’s woes continue as they remain mired in the relegation zone.
Despite a spirited performance, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side lacked the cutting edge needed to punish Arsenal’s early wastefulness.
The Foxes had their chances, with Bobby de Cordova-Reid nearly converting a Jordan Ayew cross—only for Myles Lewis-Skelly to get a crucial touch and deny him.
Off the pitch, tensions were running high. Leicester fans staged protests against director of football Jon Rudkin, blaming him for the club’s struggles.
Banners, chants, and even mobile billboards called for his resignation, adding to the growing unrest at the club.
Van Nistelrooy remains optimistic, insisting that “the results will come,” but with games running out, Leicester’s Premier League status hangs in the balance.
Standout Performers
- Mikel Merino (8.69/10) – A match-winner with two brilliantly taken goals.
- Ethan Nwaneri (8.36/10) – The 17-year-old was a constant menace, hitting the woodwork twice and providing an assist.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (7.46/10) – A crucial defensive intervention kept Leicester from taking the lead.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling endured a night to forget, registering the lowest rating (4.18/10) after struggling to make an impact before being substituted.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Arsenal keeps the pressure on Liverpool, though the Reds still have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Leicester faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation, with Van Nistelrooy needing to find answers fast.
As Arsenal fans celebrate Merino’s heroics, the question remains—could he be the unexpected solution to their striker dilemma?