Arsenal are in need of a striker and facing a shortage of one that would have even the most hardened fan sweating. And yet, in the absence of a recognized forward for Mikel Arteta’s, somehow they got a 1-0 win over Chelsea, but now there are worries over a fourth consecutive loss ahead of the derby on Sunday. It wasn’t pretty, but with the Premier League title race, it’s all that matters towards an effective result.
Arsenal’s attacking cupboard has indeed been as bare as Chelsea’s annual trophy cabinet this season, with no Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus or Bukayo Saka acting as the strikers. Gabriel Martinelli, injured and off the pitch, is easing his way back too. Mikel Merino — the midfielder, er, emergency striker — has decided that scoring goals is yet another little square on yet another huge résumé.
Merino to the Rescue (Again!)
Once again, Merino proved his need is the mother of invention, against Chelsea. She deftly flicked in Martin Ødegaard’s corner in the 20th minute, and Arsenal led, but an Arsene Wenger team isn’t in need of strikers, and Merino proved that with a hand at the Arsenal Swiss Army knife.
It’s fair to say Arsenal would have wrapped this game up by halftime. See, the Gunners missed a few chances I could even have tapped in myself (I can’t kick a ball having gone to high school). Despite this, Arsenal were able to escape Stamford Bridge with all three points and with their top four dreams still alive.
With clear proof that he was impressed by Merino’s efforts, Arteta couldn’t stop praising him. Arteta also sounded amazed and relieved: ‘He’s never played in that position all his life.’
The Striker Arsenal Didn’t Know They Needed
Merino’s second goal in three games is not just a lifeline; it’s a statement. While Merino is doing his best to paper over the cracks, Arsenal’s failure not to sign a proper striker during the summer is glaring. Is he the perfect solution? No. Is he keeping Arsenal’s top four hopes alive? Absolutely.
There isn’t a long term solution here. If you’re going to call upon Merino as a striker, you might as well ask a Michelin-starred chef to flip burgers: yes, he can, but he’s not doing his best. Arsenal’s injury-plagued striker line forces them to use whatever players are available this season.
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