· 12 May 2025, 10:30
**Former Newcastle United midfielder quickly went from hero to villain for Arsenal on Sunday as the Gunners scraped a draw with Liverpool.**
Mikel Merino scored the goal that levelled the score against Liverpool on Sunday, then just minutes later was shown his marching orders for picking up a second yellow card. In fairness, it looked like a straight red offence, but we only needed him banned for one game, so we'll take it.
Newcastle face Arsenal on Sunday in another massive game. Thanks to the Gunners dropping points again, Newcastle could overtake Arsenal in the league with a win down at the Emirates.
There was a time when we'd dread going down to face Arsenal on their home turf, but Eddie Howe lives rent-free in Mikel Arteta's head these days, so we're nowhere near as worried.
Declan Rice is a doubt for Newcastle's visit
Mikel Merino must not have fancied it against Newcastle
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Mikel Merino will now definitely miss the game against his old club, but Mikel Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of a couple of other players, one of whom is main man Declan Rice.
Speaking to the media after the game yesterday, Arteta spoke of a concern for Rice (via [The Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/declan-rice-injury-news-arsenal-newcastle-b2749030.html)).
> “I think he is struggling, it does not look good.”
Arsenal have a crisis in midfield ahead of Newcastle's visit
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The Gunners are also likely to be without Italian midfielder Leandro Trossard who left the field with an injury yesterday.
Also, Jorginho has returned to the match day squad after having an issue with his lungs, but he's yet to actually play, which could mean Arteta will have to look elsewhere to replace Rice and Trossard.
It's all looking good for Newcastle as long as the Magpies don't pick up any further injuries.