Merino Shines as Arsenal Triumphs
Merino Takes on Striker Role
Mikel Merino, 29, returned to the striker position during the game against Slavia Prague. This change was necessary due to an injury to Viktor Gyokeres, who left the match against Burnley last weekend.
First Half Struggles
Arsenal had a tough start, struggling for the first thirty minutes. They finally got a break when a penalty was awarded after Lukas Provod's handball. Bukayo Saka stepped up and scored from the penalty spot, giving Arsenal the lead.
Merino's Impact After Halftime
In the second half, Mikel Merino became the star of the match. Leandro Trossard made a great cross, and Merino was there to score, doubling Arsenal's lead. He had already scored against Burnley before his injury, showing his ability to find the net.
Another Goal for Merino
Merino scored again about thirty minutes into the second half. Declan Rice made a perfect long pass into the box, and Merino took advantage of a mistake by Slavia Prague's defense to score his second goal of the night.
Future Matches for Arsenal
Before the match, reports indicated that Gyokeres might be out until after the international break. This means Merino could continue as a center forward in the upcoming match against Sunderland next week. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Merino's leadership and adaptability, noting that he has become a key player for the team during this challenging time.
