Arteta reveals what he told Merino in surprise Arsenal decision | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta knew Mikel Merino would score against Leicester City before surprisingly deploying the midfielder as a striker on Saturday.

The Spain international came off the bench at the King Power Stadium to replace Raheem Sterling in the frontline with the game scoreless.

It proved to be an inspiring decision as the 28-year-old grabbed a late brace to secure a 2-0 victory over the Foxes and close the gap to leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

What Arteta told Merino before deploying Arsenal ‘striker’

Arsenal did not practice with Merino up front in training and he was only informed him of Arteta‘s bold plan on the morning of the game, but the manager told him he would find the net regardless.

“That he was going to score,” Arteta answered when asked what he told the £31m signing before the game. “He’s a real goal threat.

“The moment they started moving deeper and we were more set in the final third, we thought he could deliver those moments. But it’s easier to say it than get it done!”

Asked if Merino could perform the role like Kai Havertz, Arteta responded: “Because of the height? They are very different.

Read – Arsenal hero Merino rules out new role following brace

“Mikel has never played as a nine. But he has that timing, that smell that he can smell danger, anticipate danger. And then he can execute it.”

He added: “It was a lot of debate. I didn’t want to drive him crazy. I said to him this morning that he might play there, we believe he could sit there if the game needed the context. He won the game for us.”

Merino said he was surprised by the decision to use him as a makeshift striker. “It was big news for me this morning when one of the assistants told me it was an option,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“It’s the first time in my career that I have played this position, but the good thing is the way this team plays everyone knows what everyone has to do. Mikel told me to use my strengths and be in the box.

“I was in the right place at the right moment. I have not trained there once. I know what everyone has to do on the pitch.

“Tactically, we are a rich team and I just tried to emulate all these guys who are out injured.”

Read – Arsenal starlet Nwaneri compared to Messi amid breakout season

Read – Arteta sends title race message to Liverpool as Arsenal close gap

Read More – Five uncapped players Thomas Tuchel will be watching closely

See Also – Five of the most improved players in Europe this season

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok