Merino sends timely message to Arsenal squad ahead of Brentford test | OneFootball

Fresh from a Champions League high, Merino insists the Premier League challenge demands just as much focus as the glamour nights in Europe.

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Mikel Merino has urged Arsenal to “really, really focus on Brentford” as the Gunners return to Premier League action just days after their euphoric Champions League demolition of Real Madrid.

Still basking in the afterglow of Tuesday’s 3-0 masterclass under the Emirates lights, Merino was quick to recalibrate his sights ahead of a critical domestic fixture.

“Yes, it’s really important to have the momentum to use the energy that we created the other day in the Emirates to keep going and just give the fans another great performance, get the three points and obviously keep the momentum and the tempo for the future games,” said Merino.

“But obviously, really, really focus on Brentford because they are a really tough opponent with a lot of qualities. So, yeah, looking forward to it.”

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Arsenal’s 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day remains fresh in Merino’s memory, not least because he was on the scoresheet.

“Yeah, it was New Year’s Day, which is special always for me to come back here in England and be back in the Boxing Day stuff that you do,” he said.

“So, it was a really special day. Scoring as well is always great, but the most important thing was getting the three points away. Yeah, it was a really, really good memory for me.

“Obviously, tough game against a really good opponent where we could see in that game that they made things tough for us. So, I guess we’re going to use that game as our main focus to learn what we did good, what we didn’t do as good, and try to take it to win this game.”

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But memories alone won’t carry Arsenal to the points. Confidence, yes, but Merino’s emphasis is on channelling it, not coasting on it.

“Yeah, I mean, the confidence has always to be there, but after the other day, the players are just with that energy, with that feeling, thinking that we are that powerful team and we have to use it,” he said. “It’s always a good sign to feel that way.

“As I always say, you have to be humble, you have to have your feet on the ground, but feel that confidence and use it to give you energy to win every game.”

The Spaniard, who has now scored in four of his last five appearances, remains grounded about his scoring streak.

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“To be honest, I’m lucky to be scoring that many goals! Well, yeah, not lucky. I’m working for it, that’s for sure. But yeah, sometimes goals don’t come and now I’m in a streak, so I’ll try to keep doing my job, keep working hard, and if I can help the team with goals, that’s great.

“If not, I’ll try to help the team in many other ways.”

With Liverpool still holding a big lead at the top, Arsenal can ill afford to misstep. But Merino’s focus remains internal.

“I mean, the mentality is always to win every game. For me personally, it’s not about what the other guys are doing. Obviously, you need them to drop points if you want to win the league, but the main focus has to be your own version and try to get the three points every single day.

“So yeah, that’s still the aim, that’s still the focus. Win this game, win the next one, win the next one. If we do that, I’m sure that good things can happen.”