Arsenal super sub Mikel Merino scores twice to see off Leicester City

Mikel Merino came off the bench to save the day for Arsenal in a close-fought 2-0 Premier League victory at Leicester City on Saturday.

Arsenal headed into the match without their first-choice front three in what has become an attacking injury crisis and it looked like they were heading for a draw against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team in the east Midlands.

But Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Raheem Sterling with Merino in the 69th minute proved to be a genius decision, as the makeshift striker, who normally plays as a midfielder, scored twice in the last 10 minutes.

Gunners wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, arguably the best player on the pitch, provided the assist for Merino’s first with a fine chipped cross from the right wing.

Leandro Trossard set up Merino for the second to secure a massive three points for injury-hit Arsenal in the Premier League title race, with the second-placed north Londoners now just four points behind Liverpool.

Here’s how it all unfolded at the King Power Stadium…