Mikel Areta decided to start West Ham United with West Ham United at striker in Arsenal’s Premier League conflict on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are impressed by both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard’s spell as the wrong nine in the victory of last week, without natural strikers.
Arsenal was toothless before midfielder Merino came from the bank to take over as a striker. The Spanish international teamed up twice too late to seal all three points, and Arteta gave him nod from the start.
Merino’s inclusion means that Raheem Sterling falls on the bench, with Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri flanking the provisional striker.
Sterling came under fire after poor performance against Leicester. Areta recognized that the Chelsea loan leader has to do more to contribute in the last months of the season after he had not yet attracted attention.
The only other change of the team that started against Leicester comes to a left case. Myles Lewis-Skelly falls on the bench, with Italy International Riccardo Calafiori taking its place.
The Gunners have the chance to close the LIVERPOOL gap in Liverpool Liverpool before the Reds meeting with Manchester City on Sunday only five points.