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William Saliba makes extraordinary five-word claim about Mikel Merino after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City
Arsenal made their strikerless debut in a much-needed 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, a game they didn’t entirely have their own way.
Mikel Arteta will have no doubt been disappointed with Arsenal’s first half efforts at Leicester, a performance that was rather toothless.
However, once Mikel Merino was introduced to the game, Arsenal suddenly had a focal point, and it quickly became clear that they had brought on a finisher too.
Merino arguably finished his chances better than any Arsenal player has all season, a timely contribution to say the least.
And at the expense of Raheem Sterling, it would now be a big surprise if Merino didn’t start at home to West Ham United next weekend, and perhaps even for the remainder of the season.
Mikel Merino shines in surprise chance as a striker for Arsenal
Of course, Arsenal were still in a position to win the game in the 81st minute at Leicester owing to their stoic defending, which William Saliba always deserves big credit for.
In addition, Myles Lewis-Skelly arguably provided the best defensive moment of the game when his last-ditch right-foot clearance denied Bobby Decordova-Reid a tap-in.
READ MORE: Michael Owen says striker Arsenal sold for £16m was even better than Harry Kane
Although, the game will predominantly be remembered for the brilliance of both Merino and Ethan Nwaneri, a youngster who continues to defy all expectations.
All that being said, Merino understandably took to Instagram to celebrate his two goals and Arsenal’s win.
Merino became only the second player to have come off the bench to score both of Arsenal’s goals in a Premier League game since his compatriot Cesc Fabregas did so against Aston Villa in 2009.
And following the match, Merino uploaded a post with a caption of: “Number 9 day at work.”
A host of Arsenal players replied including Saliba who jovially wrote: “Best striker in the world.”
Ethan Nwaneri was still the star of the show for Arsenal
As mentioned, Nwaneri was also in unbelievable form against Leicester, a 17-year-old who is almost negating the absence of Bukayo Saka alone.
Arsenal fans will already be seriously excited to see the duo combine once Saka is fit, which shouldn’t be too far away.
Merino praised Nwaneri after the win, a youngster who delivered the perfect ball for his deft header at the back post.
Arsenal fans were also impressed by Lewis-Skelly for his defensive work, an afternoon which turned out to be a very positive one for Arteta.
A game of small margins, but ones that ended up going convincingly in Arsenal’s favour.