Arsenal found a late breakthrough against Leicester City on Saturday, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring twice to secure a crucial 2-0 victory in the Premier League.
With the Gunners struggling to break down a determined Leicester side, manager Mikel Arteta turned to Merino in the 69th minute, deploying the midfielder in an unfamiliar striker role.
The tactical switch paid off as the Spaniard delivered two decisive goals, heading in a precise cross from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in the 81st minute before converting Leandro Trossard’s low delivery in the 87th.
Merino admitted he wasn’t expecting to play as a forward but embraced the challenge.
“It was a bit of a surprise because it’s the first time in my career I played that position,” Merino said. “But he told me go on as a striker and to make sure I go with my strengths. I think I solved it.”
The victory brings Arsenal within four points of league leaders Liverpool, who have a chance to widen the gap when they face Wolves on Sunday.
This was Arsenal’s first match since losing top scorer Kai Havertz to a season-ending hamstring injury during training in Dubai.
With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka also sidelined, Arteta fielded a makeshift attacking trio of Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Nwaneri.
While the front three struggled to find the net, Nwaneri once again showcased his talent with a dynamic performance.
