Merino goals for wife, super sub says after Gunners close gap on Liverpool

Substitute Mikel Merino admitted his deployment as a targetman had been a surprise after his late double moved Arsenal four points behind leaders Liverpool with a third successive Premier League win and victory over Leicester City at King Power Stadium.

Known for his aerial prowess as a midfielder, Spain international Merino was told by manager Mikel Arteta that he would come on as a potential solution for his side’s striker shortage as they faced the third-bottom side – and he obliged by heading in Ethan Nwaneri’s 81st-minute cross before slotting in a second six minutes later from Leandro Trossard’s low delivery.

ARSENAL FIND THE OPENER!

Mikel Merino heads home a brilliant cross from Ethan Nwaneri 🎯

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/tQpEFO4WJz

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025

“It was the first time in my career I’ve played in that position,” Merino told TNT Sports, adding that he had been briefed by Arteta’s assistants on the ploy before the game and told by his compatriot to “make sure to go with my strength”.

“It’s a good time to score because I forgot to give my wife something for Valentine’s Day. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolate.”

The striker Arsenal needed 👀

Mikel Merino with a fine finish to score his second goal of the game!

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MMnehZV8qO

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025

Leicester vs Arsenal: Merino masterclass

With Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli injured and Kai Havertz suffering a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai last week, Arsenal started with Raheem Sterling, Trossard and 17-year-old Nwaneri in attack.

Nwaneri hit the woodwork twice during the second half but the Foxes held their own, almost taking the lead themselves after the break when only Myles Lewis-Skelly’s narrow intervention prevented Bobby de Cordova-Reid from tapping in Jordan Ayew’s cross.

“I don’t think so, to be honest,” replied Merino, who came on in the 69th minute for the underwhelming Sterling, when he was asked if he will continue in attack. “It’s funny because I’ve only scored two other braces in my career.

“[Nwaneri’s] an amazing player. He’s such a talent. I’ve been telling him all season that I need those kind of balls when I arrive in the box. He has such a wonderful left foot that he put it right on my head, so I could only score.”

Mikel Merino in 21 minutes against Leicester:

✅ 2 touches in opposition box
✅ 2 shots
✅ 2 goals

Not bad for his first time ever playing as a striker 😳 pic.twitter.com/yTZjzVzv5u

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025

Foxes fall to fifth straight defeat

Needing a win to rise above fourth-bottom Wolves, Leicester fared respectably but have now lost their last five home league games and nine of their most recent 10 overall.

Each of their last four home defeats have finished 2-0, with their previous loss at King Power Stadium a 3-0 thrashing against Wolves.

Arsenal, conversely, moved six points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest, who visit Fulham on Saturday (3pm GMT).

Liverpool play their game in hand at home to Wolves on Sunday (2pm). Arsenal’s next match is at home to West Ham next Saturday (3pm), with Leicester hosting Brentford the previous evening (8pm).