Mikel Merino has led the line in each of Arsenal’s last six matches, stepping into the role following injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and several other attacking options.
The Spain international has adapted brilliantly to his new role, with his decisive header against Chelsea securing all three points and marking his fifth goal of the season for the Gunners.
Arteta Praises Merino’s Adaptability
After the game, Mikel Arteta lauded the 28-year-old for his seamless transition from midfield to attack in recent weeks.
The Arsenal boss highlighted Merino’s versatility, work rate, and ability to contribute crucial goals, emphasizing how his adaptability has been vital in overcoming the team’s injury setbacks.
“Yes, because it’s very demanding for him. Even physically, we’re asking him to do something he’s never done before but he’s approaching it every day”.
“His willingness to learn and give his maximum to the team with the qualities that he has to play as a nine. That’s what we’ll be looking for from others if we had the chance to do, but it’s really helping.”
The boss didn’t rule out using Merino as a forward in future as well, even when the injured players return.
“You always learn from challenges, you open doors and explore situations that probably in a different context you wouldn’t be able to do it. So, that’s a really good thing to learn.”
Future Role for Merino in Attack?
Mikel Arteta did not dismiss the possibility of utilizing Merino as a forward in the future, even after the injured players return back to full fitness. Though, it is rather unlikely that would happen.
“I really loved the attitude of the team from the beginning,” he said. “It was so aggressive, so dominant with and without the ball. We scored the goal, had a lot of chances that we didn’t put into the back of the net, unfortunately”.
“Defensively we conceded almost nothing. It was very, very impressive. And attacking-wise, we could have generated much more because we had some open situations just to kill them. We didn’t finish the action”.
“The way we went to the duels, the intensity that we showed, the level of communication on the side, we really generated a really good atmosphere in the stadium. And, yeah, we deserved to win the game”.
“We had to run in transition and running back in transition the team was incredible the way they tracked back. So overall, so competitive, really good periods but probably should have been more.”
