Arsenal moved within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool after substitute Mikel Merino struck twice late on to secure a crucial win over struggling Leicester City.
With the Gunners struggling to break down the Foxes and their attacking options looking thin, Merino replaced an ineffective Raheem Sterling and made the difference.
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s standout performer, delivered a dangerous ball that found Merino at the far post. Nwaneri, who had twice hit the woodwork in the second half, was a constant threat throughout the game.
Merino sealed the victory just six minutes later, again arriving at the far post to turn in another crucial goal, keeping Arsenal’s title hopes alive.
Leicester had put up a strong fight and nearly took the lead when Myles Lewis-Skelly made a crucial intervention to deny Bobby de Cordova-Reid a tap-in from Jordan Ayew’s cross.
Arsenal’s celebrations were filled with relief, as they had struggled to find a cutting edge, especially in the absence of a recognized striker. Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury suffered during their break in Dubai had further weakened their attacking options, but Merino’s heroics ensured they left with all three points.
SOURCE: BBC
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