BREAKING NEWS: He’s really a blessing to us in disguise,We couldn’t have been where we’re today without him,all thanks to Arteta for unleashing him”, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice blown away with one Arsenal player performance against Brentford last night – Not Merino
Arsenal picked up a 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The Gunners went into the London derby with a two-point lead over Manchester City with a game in hand.
The club had to beat the Bees to restore their five-point advantage, and they did so with a solid performance.
Mikel Merino was the star of the show with a goal and a late assist for Bukayo Saka.
Shortly after the game, Merino posted on Instagram with the caption: ‘Loving The Emirates’.
Declan Rice described the Spaniard as ‘too good’ after his 13th goal of the calendar year for the Gunners.
William Saliba was likewise impressed and hailed him as the ‘big boss’ for his fabulous showing.
Here are screenshots
Odegaard and Gyokeres impress in Arsenal training
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Merino has proved a fantastic makeshift striker for the Gunners. He has eight goal contributions this campaign. Five of those have come in the last four league games, playing upfront.
The former Real Sociedad man has adapted brilliantly to a position alien to him at the start of the year, and he is doing well to keep Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus out of the starting line-up.
Merino registered a goal and an assist yesterday, but also won seven duels with three recoveries and two tackles won. He received an 8/10 rating from football.london for his performance.
Arsenal will be back in Premier League action in Saturday’s early kick-off at Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side have been in exceptional form and are presently six points behind the Gunners.
The Midlands outfit were languishing in the relegation places in the early weeks, but they have made a tremendous turnaround and find themselves third in the league standings.
The Gunners have just one victory in the last four meetings against the Villans. The club face a tough challenge, and a win at Villa Park would send a huge statement on their title credentials.
Merino looks poised to lead the line once more amid his brilliant run of form.
