Mikel Arteta - Arsenal - Wolves
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners, who had drawn their previous two league matches, secured a crucial three points as Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino continued his impressive form in an unfamiliar attacking role.
Despite comfortably qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with an aggregate 9-3 victory over PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal’s title hopes have taken a significant hit. Mikel Arteta’s side now trails league leaders Liverpool by 12 points with just nine matches remaining in the season.
Injuries have plagued Arsenal’s squad, leaving them without a recognised centre-forward since February. Key attackers Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka have all been sidelined, forcing Arteta to push Merino into a more advanced role. The adjustment has paid off, with the Spanish international heading home Martin Ødegaard’s corner in the 20th minute to end Arsenal’s three-match winless run.
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Merino has proven to be a vital asset for Arsenal, having also scored the decisive goals in their previous Premier League victory—a 2-0 win over Leicester City. Against Chelsea, he nearly doubled his tally in the second half, but a superb save from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez denied him.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Merino’s adaptation to his new role, highlighting his resilience and goal-scoring instinct.
Arsenal - Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has scored four Premier League goals as a striker for Arsenal this season (Image credit: Getty Images)
“We have had top players out for many, many months, but our team has incredible resilience,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Mikel really wants to do well—he has never played that position before, but he is scoring goals.
“He is a really dangerous player in the box, and he can help us. I’m really pleased. Even physically, it’s a very different game playing as a No. 9.”
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Speaking after the match, Merino acknowledged the challenges of playing as a striker but insisted he is adapting well to the role.
“It’s different from playing as a midfielder, but I don’t feel any pressure, to be honest,” he told Wright after the game. “The main thing for me is trying to help the team with small details—from pressing to positioning myself in the best spots for my teammates.
“It’s a different role from what I’m used to, but I think I’m adapting pretty well.”
With the win, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, four points ahead of third-placed Nottingham Forest. While their title chances appear slim, Arteta’s side will be determined to finish the season strongly and push Liverpool until the very end.
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