Merino steps up with a midfielder’s masterclass that fueled Arsenal’s charge. With star striker Viktor Gyökeres missing, questions hung over whether Arsenal had the required attacking threat. The response was shocking, but very good as midfielder Mikel Merino steps up with a phenomenal performance in a role that he is not used to playing and guided his team to a massive 3-0 away win in the Champions League over Slavia Prague.
An Unlikely Solution in Attack
Faced with a major positional deficiency, manager Mikel Arteta created the unthinkable. Mikel Merino was put as an auxiliary forward, while typically playing a role of orchestrator in midfield even deeper. The overall process was to confuse the enemy defence with a new and physical consideration and it paid off much better than planned.
A Natural in the Box
Merino appeared to be completely in his stride in his advanced position. A brilliant brace topped the performance and both goals were a prime example of the instinct of a natural striker. His tactical movement, space in the congested field and his calm finishing were a glimpse of an aspect of his game that is not much seen. He was not merely occupying a vacuum; he was taking it over.
The Manager’s Verdict: Praise for Versatility and Leadership
Arteta did not hesitate in pointing out the tremendous influence of Merino after the game. The manager said he was absolutely outstanding. We have heard of his quality. But his versatility and his leadership, and the goal-threatening presence which he provides in the box, are incredible. He possesses the special power of reaching at the right places and making a change.
More Than Just Goals: A Statement of Squad Strength
The triumph of the mentioned change is literally the clearest evidence of both the tactical flexibility in all aspects of play and the men’s unity at Arsenal. It indicates a unit where players are willing to accept or do less for the sake of the team. His commanding effort has established a clear message to opposing teams – while missing key players to injury, Arsenal had proven array of depth, intelligence, and flexibility to find new ways to win regardless.
As featured on GoonerNews.com