Sport
Merino has given Arsenal a different attacking dimension.
There was a point not so long ago when Arsenal’s season looked as good as over. Injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard saw the Gunners lose the bulk of their attacking unit just as supporters were plotting the route to titles and trophies.
Ultimately, these injuries cost Arsenal dearly in the Premier League title race. Liverpool will become champions with a win over Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, concluding a title race that wasn’t a race at all for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign. In the Champions League, Mikel Arteta’s team still have a chance of silverware.
Arsenal controlled both legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid. Faced with arguably the most fearsome frontline in European football, the Gunners were rarely troubled as they secured a place in the competition’s final four. Paris Saint-Germain stand between Arsenal and a place in the final.
Saka and Declan Rice might have shone brightest in the matches against Real Madrid, but Mikel Merino deserves a mention for his contribution. Asked to play as an emerged centre forward, the Euro 2024 winner found the back of the net in the first leg and set up Saka for a crucial goal in the second.
In fact, Merino has been so impressive as Havertz’s deputy that he has given Arsenal a different dimension in the attacking third. The Spaniard has managed to translate his ability and instincts as a midfielder into something that has been very useful for the Gunners recently, particularly in the Champions League.
This was most evident in the way Merino set up Saka to score at the Santiago Bernabeu when the Spaniard pulled away from the Real Madrid defence to create the space for his teammate to spin into. Merino’s pass was also perfectly weighted, illustrating the benefit of playing a midfielder in an advanced position – they can pass the ball.
“he way he’s approaching it is incredible,” Arteta said when asked about Merino’s performances over the last few weeks and months. “He wants to understand everything and to learn from it. He’s very critical of himself all the time. The reality is that he’s winning matches for us. The value of it, it was a big match. In the end we win the game because of that goal. Very happy with his contribution.”
The summer transfer window will surely see Arsenal make a move for a new centre forward. Alexander Isak has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium in the past. Viktor Gyokeres could be a more realistic target on the back of another impressive season for Sporting CP. The Gunners could certainly use a more orthodox frontman.
However, Merino has demonstrated the value in having an attacking focal point who can offer something on the ball. Arsenal’s game is geared towards opening up space for Martinelli on the left and Saka on the right with Merino capable of getting even more out of the two wide forwards. Arsenal are functioning well even without Havertz.
Thomas Partey’s injury means Arteta might have no choice but to use Merino in the midfield unit, pushing Leandro Trossard into the lineup in the number nine position. Trossard is a sharp finisher and has operated in this role many times before for Arsenal. He would pose a threat in and around the penalty box.
However, Merino’s emergence as an option in attack has opened up new possibilities. Arsenal are having more joy in quick transition. This is partly due to the Spaniard’s contribution. The Gunners might want a new centre forward, but their emergency striker is doing plenty to keep them competitive this season.
