Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta revealed the reason behind using midfielder Mikel Merino as a striker against Leicester City. This decision came after the season-ending injury to Kai Havertz, leaving Arsenal without a natural centre-forward. Merino's performance proved successful, scoring two late goals in Arsenal's 2-0 victory. Arteta praised Merino's timing, anticipation, and ability to execute.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has revealed a reason why he decided to bring Mikel Merino on as a striker against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.were dealt a major blow before this weekend’s trip to the King Power Stadium as Kai Havertz was ruled out for the remainder of this season with a torn hamstring.is without a natural centre-forward for the rest of this campaign and is forced to think out of the box for a left-field solution.
This change worked as Merino struck with two late goals after getting on the end of crosses from Nwaneri and Trossard in Arsenal’s 2-0 win,“Today is a day with all the questions that have been raised with the injuries to make a statement, we are here. We really want it,” Arteta said.“Very different because Mikel has never played as a 9 but has got that timing. He can smell the danger. He can anticipate the situation and execute.
“He told me to come in as a striker this morning. We were talking about it a little bit with one of the assistants. It is the first time in my career that I’ve played that position,” Merino said. “Today was a tough game. But I think these games are the ones you need the spirit. Games like today are really good for the squad.”
Arsenal ‘consider’ two defenders as strikers with ‘options’ named amid Arteta ‘creative’ solution hint
ARSENAL MIKEL ARTETA MIKEL MERINO KAISHAVERTZ INJURY STRIKER
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