Arsenal closed the gap to four points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after a late double from Mikel Merino helped them beat Leicester City 2-0.
With Liverpool dropping points against Everton earlier in the week, Arsenal had a great chance to gain ground. However, they had to stay patient in a match where clear chances were rare.
The first half lacked excitement, with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi testing David Raya twice—first with a volley and then with a close-range header. Meanwhile, young Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri came close to scoring but was denied twice by the woodwork. His first shot clipped the crossbar, and his second effort was pushed onto the post by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
With Kai Havertz sidelined for the rest of the season due to injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had to make do without a natural striker. But his decision to bring on Merino as an attacking option proved to be a game-changer.
Merino, who replaced Raheem Sterling, broke the deadlock in the 81st minute with a well-placed header from a brilliant Nwaneri cross. Just six minutes later, he struck again, securing all three points for Arsenal and keeping them firm in second place. Meanwhile, Leicester’s struggles continued as they remained in the relegation zone, two points away from safety.
No Havertz? No Problem for Arsenal
Despite missing key attackers like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Havertz, Arsenal managed just fine against Leicester.
Merino became the first Arsenal player to score twice off the bench in a Premier League match since Gabriel Martinelli in early 2024. His performance also made him the first to achieve this feat in an away game since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018.
Interestingly, four of Merino’s five Premier League goals have been crucial in giving his team the lead, including three this season alone. His goals against Liverpool, Brentford, and now Leicester have played a key role in Arsenal’s title chase.
