No Striker, No Problem! Mikel Merino Scores Brace As Arsenal Edge Past Leicester to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Watch the highlights from Leicester vs Arsenal, as the Gunners keep their Premier League title hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.

Mikel Merino emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring twice in the closing stages to secure all three points for Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit side.

Merino’s Heroics Seal Arsenal’s Victory, Nwaneri Shines

With key attackers Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable, Arteta was forced to get creative.

After struggling to break down a well-organised Leicester defence, he introduced Mikel Merino in place of the ineffective Raheem Sterling. The move paid off as the Spanish midfielder delivered two decisive goals, keeping Arsenal in the title race.

While Merino provided the finishing touch, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was the standout performer.

The young talent displayed immense composure and creativity, playing a key role in both goals. His cross set up Merino’s opener, and his attacking threat throughout the match proved why he is one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

WATCH: Leicester City 0-2 Arsenal Highlights

Despite Leicester’s struggles—having conceded 53 goals this season and losing eight of their previous nine games—Arsenal found it difficult to break them down in the first half.

The home side nearly took the lead before halftime when Wilfred Ndidi’s header narrowly missed the target. Arsenal, meanwhile, lacked fluency, with misplaced es and Sterling in particular struggling to make an impact.

Declan Rice was visibly frustrated, urging teammates to step up their urgency and intensity. A few half-chances, including Nwaneri’s near miss from 20 yards, were the best Arsenal could manage before the break.

Leicester maintained their shape well, making it difficult for Arsenal to create clear-cut chances. However, as the game wore on, the Gunners increased their pressure. Nwaneri nearly broke the deadlock when he struck the post after a dazzling run past Victor Kristiansen.

Finally, in the 77th minute, Arsenal’s persistence paid off. Rice recovered possession and found Jurrien Timber, who linked up with Nwaneri. The teenager delivered a pinpoint cross for Merino, who made no mistake from close range.

Merino doubled Arsenal’s lead just three minutes from time, finding space at the far post to turn in Leandro Trossard’s cross, sealing an important victory.

Liverpool will look to extend their lead at the top when they face Wolves on Sunday, but Arsenal’s win keeps them firmly in the title chase.

With injuries mounting, Arteta will hope for a swift recovery for his key players. However, performances like Nwaneri’s and Merino’s contributions suggest that the Gunners may have the depth and resilience needed for the run-in.