The Arsenal manager Mikel Areta celebrated the influence of midfielder Mikel Merino in the dramatic victory on Saturday against Leicester City.
The Gunners had fought themselves without a natural striker and searched for a bitterly disappointing tie, only so that Merino turns out of the bank and net twice to save the day and seal all three points.
“We believed that Mikel could give us something else with Leo [Trossard] Left and … incredible, “thought Areteta after the game.” You have to try things to get you running and he let them run.
“The moment we were injured, we had to take a look at different scenarios. We were ahead to understand what we needed and they got it up. [the build of a striker]And he can feel danger, anticipate actions … he has a great timing in the box and then the ability to get ready. “
Merino, who dedicated his wife’s goals after he forgot to buy a Valentine’s Day gift, unveiled the news of Arteta when he entered the game.
“He told me that I should come in as a striker this morning,” said the Arsenal star. “We talked about it a little with one of the assistants. It is the first time in my career that I played this position.
“He told me I should go with my strengths and luckily I could help the team with two goals today.”