Merino ‘really dangerous’ in new Arsenal role as Chelsea downed

Mikel Merino showed he is a “really dangerous” threat as a striker following his winning goal for Arsenal against Chelsea on Sunday.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta praised the Spain international after his flicked header looped over the Blues defence and into the far side of the net at the Emirates Stadium.

The goal was Arsenal’s only attempt from inside the six-yard box as they struggled to create big chances, but eked out the victory to reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to 12 points.

“We should have done much more but we are very happy and it was an important game,” Arteta said.

“We play a top opponent and the team played with an unbelievable spirit and now we go to the international break.

“The only thing we can do is try to win our matches. If we do, we are in a better position.”

With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined by injury for the rest of the season, Arteta has turned to Merino as a makeshift striker, which has returned three goals since he was first deployed there against Leicester City a month ago.

“We have had top players out for many many months. Our team has an incredible resilience,” the Arsenal boss said.

“Mikel really wants to do well, he has never played that position before but he is scoring goals. He is a really dangerous player in the box and he can help us. Really pleased, even physically it is a very different game to play as a nine.”

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