Merino brace keeps Arsenal's title hopes alive
Arsenal moved within four points of Premier League leader Liverpool after Mikel Merino's late double saw off struggling Leicester City 2-0.
No doubt handed a boost by Everton’s last-gasp equaliser in the Merseyside derby, Arsenal took the chance to close the gap on Liverpool, but it had to be patient.
An uneventful first half saw little goalmouth action, with Wilfred Ndidi’s volley from the edge of the box comfortably gathered by David Raya, with the Leicester midfielder also going close with a header just before the break.
The impressive Ethan Nwaneri then struck the woodwork twice, with his first effort kissing the crossbar before his fierce right-footed strike was pushed on to the post by Mads Hermansen.
After losing Kai Havertz to a season-ending injury, Mikel Arteta went without a recognised forward at King Power Stadium, and Arsenal ultimately required a superb substitute cameo from Merino.
Deployed up top after replacing Raheem Sterling, Merino headed in from Nwaneri's superb cross, the youngster having earlier struck the woodwork twice, to break the deadlock in the 81st minute.
Merino doubled his tally six minutes later, sealing a victory that consolidates Arsenal’s place in second, while Leicester remains in the bottom three, two points from safety.
Merino revealed after the game it was a huge surprise to be asked to fill in as Arsenal's emergency striker.
"He [Arteta] told me I was going to come in as a striker," Merino said. "This morning we were talking about it a little bit with one of the assistants.
"Honestly, it was a surprise because this is the first time in my career that I played in that position.
"He told me to go as a striker, make sure to go with my strengths, luckily I could help the team with two goals today."
Merino also dedicated his late double to his wife as a belated Valentine's Day present.
"I don’t know. I don’t think so, to be honest. It’s funny because I've only scored two more braces in my career," Merino added when asked if he would feature as a striker for the foreseeable future.
"It is the first time I’ve scored two coming off the bench, as a striker, but I think it’s a good day today to score.
"I forgot to give my wife something for Valentine's Day, so this goes to her. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolates."
