Substitute Mikel Merino admitted his deployment as a striker had been a surprise after his late double moved Arsenal four points behind leaders Liverpool with a third successive Premier League win and victory over Leicester City at King Power Stadium.

Known for his aerial prowess as a midfielder, Spain international Merino was told by manager Mikel Arteta that he would come on as a potential solution for his side’s striker shortage as they faced the third-bottom side – and he obliged by heading in Ethan Nwaneri’s 81st-minute cross before slotting in a second six minutes later from Leandro Trossard’s low delivery.

ARSENAL FIND THE OPENER!

Mikel Merino heads home a brilliant cross from Ethan Nwaneri ????

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“It was the first time in my career I’ve played in that position,” Merino told TNT Sports, adding that he had been briefed by Arteta’s assistants on the ploy before the game and told by his compatriot to “make sure to go with my strength”.

“It’s a good time to score because I forgot to give my wife something for Valentine’s Day. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolate.”

The striker Arsenal needed ????

Mikel Merino with a fine finish to score his second goal of the game!

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025

With Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli injured and Kai Havertz suffering a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai last week, Arsenal started with Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Nwaneri in attack.

Nwaneri hit the woodwork twice during the second half but the Foxes held their own, almost taking the lead themselves after the break when only Myles Lewis-Skelly’s narrow intervention prevented Bobby de Cordova-Reid from tapping in Jordan Ayew’s cross.

“I don’t think so, to be honest,” Merino replied when he was asked if he will continue in attack, praising 17-year-old Nwaneri. “It’s funny because I’ve only scored two other braces in my career.

“He’s an amazing player. He’s such a talent. I’ve been telling him all season that I need those kind of balls when I arrive in the box. He has such a wonderful left foot that he put it right on my head, so I could only score.”

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