Analysis: Merino steps up again to show value
- Published
With concern about the muscular injury that had left Viktor Gyokeres sidelined, Arsenal needed someone to step up to lead their attack - and it was Mikel Merino again who reminded supporters of his value.
The 29-year-old has dropped out of Arsenal's starting XI in the Premier League, but has still managed to deliver big moments for his team.
He scored the crucial equaliser to spark a vital comeback success at Newcastle - the last time the Gunners conceded a goal too.
This time Merino sealed a confident and comfortable victory in Prague as a makeshift forward.
When asked to play that role last season in the absence of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, he shone too, taking his season's tally to nine.
Vital goals came in wins over Real Madrid, Chelsea, Fulham and Leicester, and his double against Slavia Prague showed why Mikel Arteta appreciates him.
Merino is a very different type of forward to Gyokeres, who looks to run behind the defence whenever he can, while the Spaniard provides a good presence for the Arsenal attack and snaps up chances.
He is also part of the club's leadership group and the Gunners have never lost a game in which Merino has scored.