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Arsenal star Mikel Merino spent one season at Newcastle United in 2017-18.
Mikel Merino will miss next weekend’s clash against Newcastle United after his red card at Liverpool.
An unlikely situation has emerged where the Magpies - fighting valiantly for a Champions League spot - fancy their chances at finishing second. Arsenal have held the runners-up slot for months but the chasing pack are now snapping at their heels.
Newcastle took a giant leap towards qualifying for the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Chelsea yesterday. The winner of that clash was always going to emerge as having one foot at UEFA’s top table.
Manchester City being held by rock-bottom Southampton meant Newcastle rose to third with a victory on Sunday. Another triumph at the Emirates - against a team they have beaten three times this season - and the Magpies will leapfrog Arsenal.
The Gunners will also be without former Toon midfielder Merino following his second yellow card in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Signed by Rafa Benitez in 2017, the Spaniard made just 18 appearances before leaving for Real Sociedad.
Mikel Merino remains a Newcastle United enigma
His exit became somewhat of an enigma for years among Toon circles on social media. Moving closer to home was understood to be a key factor behind Merino’s decision but he returned to England last year.
Mikel Arteta persuaded Arsenal chiefs to stump up £20million for his signature and injuries have seen him used as a makeshift striker. However, the 28-year-old will watch from the sidelines when Newcastle visit North London this weekend.
Mikel Arteta parrots usual post-match interview answer
Mikel Arteta claimed he had not seen Merino’s challenge back when asked about the sending off. He said: “I haven't seen it on TV to be fair. I know that Mikel goes to the ball and he gets a little bit pushed and after he reacts it looks like he touches him and he made the decision so that's it.”
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Eddie Howe eyeing Arsenal challenge
Eddie Howe parked his tanks directly on Arsenal’s lawn following the win against Chelsea. He told reporters: “We still have two games to go and lots of twists and turns that could be around the corner. We can’t sit back and look at it that way.
“We have to drive forward, reflect on our next game and make sure we’re ready for Arsenal because that is a very, very tough match. We know how tight it is with the teams around us, so we’re not taking anything for granted. I have to say, the players have been magnificent in that respect for a long, long time, but we go again next week.”
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