Arsenal's Mikel Merino Shines as Makeshift Striker in Champions League Victory
Mikel Merino has become a familiar sight for Arsenal fans, celebrating goals as a striker over the past nine months.
On Tuesday, the midfielder-turned-striker continued his impressive form, scoring twice in Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague.
The 29-year-old stepped in for Viktor Gyokeres, who is facing a "concerning" muscle injury, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to seek further tests.
Fortunately for Arsenal, Merino's ability to perform under pressure has been a significant asset, contributing to the team's fourth consecutive win in the league phase and extending their overall winning streak to ten matches across all competitions.
"It’s a joy to have him," Arteta remarked. "His mindset, leadership, and character are invaluable. We are missing several attacking players, and we need to find alternative solutions. He came into the Champions League and scored two goals."
Merino first took on the role of a makeshift striker in February, netting two goals in a Premier League match against Leicester City after injuries sidelined both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. This marked his return to a striking position for the first time since childhood.
Since then, he has scored vital goals against Chelsea, Fulham, and Real Madrid, finishing the previous season with nine goals across all competitions. This season, he has already added three goals to his tally, including one against Newcastle on September 28, marking the last time Arsenal conceded before embarking on a streak of eight clean sheets, equaling a club record set in 1903.
Merino's Transition to Striker
Arsenal acquired Gyokeres for £64 million during the summer, aiming to bolster their squad with a natural number nine to lead them towards their first trophy since 2020. Gyokeres has scored six goals in 14 appearances but has been pressed into action more than anticipated due to Havertz's knee injury.
With concerns growing over Gyokeres' potential absence due to a hamstring issue, Merino's role as a key player will be crucial for Arsenal's success.
After Bukayo Saka's penalty opened the scoring in Prague, Merino showcased his skill by finishing a cross from Leandro Trossard just after halftime, followed by a header from Declan Rice's delivery that secured the victory.
Regarded as one of Arteta's favorites and a respected figure in the dressing room, Merino has become a vital part of the team's leadership group.
"I’ve always believed he has excellent timing and the ability to finish in the box, especially with one touch," Arteta stated. "We’ve worked on ensuring he plays closer to the box and recognizes opportunities, adjusting to how defenses set up against us."
'You Have to Invent Options'
This summer, Arsenal invested over £250 million in eight new players to enhance their squad depth and quality for competing in four competitions. However, injuries have already tested this depth, particularly in the attacking department.
With Havertz, Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard all sidelined, Arteta has had to get creative in addressing the challenges faced by a team currently leading the Premier League and advancing in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
"You have to invent options," he said. "There are always possibilities if you think creatively. Although Merino hasn't played there before, we had a positive experience last season, and we knew he could perform well in that role today."
Merino, who was part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad and scored a crucial goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, added, "This team doesn’t focus on who is injured. We maintain the same mentality and determination. I’m just trying to embrace the role of a number nine, even though I’m not a traditional one, and contribute to the team with goals."