Mikel Merino scores two goals in the 81st and 87th minutes to give Arsenal a crucial 2-1 victory over Leicester, dedicating the win to his wife as a belated Valentine's Day gift.
Mikel Merino scores two goals in the 81st and 87th minutes to give Arsenal a crucial 2-1 victory over Leicester, dedicating the win to his wife as a belated Valentine’s Day gift.
Mikel Merino scored a brace off the bench to give Arsenal a 2-1 victory over Leicester on Saturday, overcoming their problems to cut the margin over Premiership League leaders Liverpool to four points.
The Spain midfielder solidified his affection for Arsenal supporters just twenty-four hours after his Valentine’s Day gaffe. As a makeshift striker for injury-plagued Arsenal, the 28-year-old came off the bench and stepped up to the plate, scoring goals in the 81st and 87th minutes.
Following his headed opener, Merino was surrounded by Arsenal supporters in a corner of the King Power Stadium and quickly dedicated the goals to his wife, Lola Liberal, whom he married in January 2024. “This is for my wife, because I neglected to get her a Valentine’s Day present. This will probably be more appreciated by her than a chocolate and a rose!” he said.
Since playing for Osasuna against Gimnastic Tarragona in the Segunda Division play-offs in 2016, Merino had not scored twice in a single game. After injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli left Merino with a stale attack, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta exclusively deployed him as a striker in a desperate attempt to salvage his team.
Arsenal’s starting front three of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri were unsuccessful, so Arteta sent Merino on to make an impact as a super-sub. “This morning, Mikel instructed me to enter as a striker. One of the helpers and I were discussing it briefly. I’m playing that position for the first time in my career,” Merino said.
He added, “Fortunately, I was able to assist the squad with two goals today after he advised me to play to my abilities.” Arsenal’s title aspirations were greatly aided by Merino’s brace as they got within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who will play lowly Wolves on Sunday.
When asked if he would think about switching to a striker on a regular basis, Merino responded, “To be honest, I don’t think so. I have never scored two goals as a striker off the bench before. It was a difficult game today. However, I believe that these are the games that require spirit. Today’s game is excellent for the team. We must continue to apply pressure, and if we do this, wonderful things will happen in the future.”
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