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Mikel Merino joked that his match-winning brace in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday served as a belated Valentine’s Day gift for his wife after he forgot to buy her a present.
The Spanish midfielder came off the bench to play as an emergency striker for the injury-hit Gunners and delivered two late goals in the 81st and 87th minutes, sealing a crucial win in the Premier League title race.
“I forgot to give my wife something for Valentine’s Day, so this goes to her. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose and some chocolate.”
It was the first time Merino had scored twice in a game since 2016 when he played for Osasuna in Spain’s second division.
His unexpected role in attack came after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was forced to reshuffle his depleted squad, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined.
Merino admitted he had never played as a striker before. “Mikel told me to come in as a striker this morning. We were talking about it a little bit with one of the assistants. It is the first time in my career that I’ve played that position.”
His performance kept Arsenal’s title hopes alive, cutting Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to four points ahead of the Reds’ clash with Wolves on Sunday.
Despite his heroics, Merino laughed off any suggestion of permanently switching positions.
“I don’t think so, to be honest. It is the first time I have scored a brace coming off the bench as a striker.”
