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Merino's Late Brace Keeps Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive

Merino's Late Brace Keeps Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive
Published 1 months ago on Feb 15, 2025

Mikel Merino's Late Brace Keeps Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive in 2-0 Win Over Leicester.

Mikel Merino stepped up in a makeshift striker role to score twice late on, securing Arsenal a crucial 2-0 win over Leicester City and keeping their Premier League title ambitions alive.

Merino’s Heroics Seal Vital Win

With Arsenal missing key forwards due to injury, manager Mikel Arteta turned to midfielder Mikel Merino, who delivered in spectacular fashion. The Spaniard headed in Ethan Nwaneri's pinpoint cross in the 81st minute before doubling Arsenal’s lead six minutes later, slotting home from Leandro Trossard’s assist.

Speaking after the game, Merino admitted his surprise at playing as a forward:
"Arteta told me to go in as a striker and play to my strengths. It’s the first time I’ve played in that position, but it worked out well."

Arsenal Strengthen Title Chase

The victory pushes Arsenal to 53 points from 25 games, just four points behind Liverpool, albeit having played an extra match. The Gunners extended their unbeaten league streak to 15 games, winning 10 in the process—their best run since the 2010-11 season under Arsène Wenger.

Meanwhile, Leicester’s struggles continue. Sitting in the relegation zone with just 17 points from 25 games, the Foxes have now gone 17 league matches without a clean sheet. Fans voiced their frustrations with muted protests in the 14th minute, seemingly directed at director of football Jon Rudkin.

Leicester’s Resistance Ends Late On

The match started as a tight contest, with Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi having two decent chances in the first half. His volley was saved by David Raya, and he later sent a header wide just before halftime.

Arsenal dominated the second half, with Nwaneri and Declan Rice coming close. Nwaneri rattled the crossbar from the edge of the area, while his later shot was denied by the post. Leicester nearly punished the visitors on the counter, but Myles Lewis-Skelly produced a crucial block to deny Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

As the clock ticked down, Arsenal’s persistence paid off with Merino’s double, sealing all three points.

Leicester Left Frustrated

Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss admitted disappointment after the late collapse:
"We fought hard for 80 minutes, but you cannot lose focus against teams like Arsenal. We have to be better in those situations."

With Arsenal’s injury woes mounting—Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all sidelined—Merino’s unexpected impact could prove pivotal in the title race. Arteta may well call on him again as the Gunners push for their first league title since 2004.

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