Arsenal found an emphatic solution to their injury crisis on Tuesday as midfielder-turned-striker Mikel Merino scored twice in a dominant 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague.
Filling in for the injured star striker Viktor Gyokeres (whose muscle injury concerns manager Mikel Arteta), the 29-year-old Spaniard proved his worth as a makeshift frontman.
After a Bukayo Saka penalty, Merino netted a neat finish and a powerful header to seal the victory.
The result marked Arsenal’s tenth straight win in all competitions and, crucially, was their eighth consecutive clean sheet, equalling a 122-year-old club record set in 1903.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Merino’s mindset and versatility, saying the club had to “invent options” amidst injuries to Gyokeres, Havertz, Martinelli, and others.
“It’s a joy to have him,” Arteta admitted. “We are missing a lot of attacking players and we have to find different solutions. He comes in the Champions League and scores two goals.”
Merino, who scored nine goals last season in the same temporary role, remains essential as Arsenal compete in three different competitions.
