'The reality is that he's winning matches for us'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised the "value" makeshift striker Mikel Merino is bringing to the team with his goals.
The 28-year-old, who is naturally a central midfield player, has been deputising up top for the Gunners after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz left the side without a recognised senior centre-forward.
Merino has been in and out of the team since his arrival from Real Sociedad in August, but has now scored six goals and offered two assists in his 33 appearances across all competitions - with four of those goals coming in the past month.
The Spain international proved the difference maker again on Sunday after heading in the winner against Chelsea.
"The way he's approaching it is incredible," Arteta said.
"He wants to understand everything and to learn from it. He's very critical of himself all the time. The reality is that he's winning matches for us.
"The value of it, it was a big match. In the end we win the game because of that goal. Very happy with his contribution.
"We worked on something similar [from the set-piece], but that. To be fair it was a different kind of finish planned.
"It will generate belief in the team again, in the stadium with the crowd, that we can score. It's something we've been missing when we were so prolific."
Topics
-
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 a...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Mikel Arteta reveals why he thinks Enzo Maresca is a “magnificent coach”
Chelsea face a big game against Arsenal on Sunday and Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Enzo Maresca in the build-up.The Blues head to the Emirates looking for a first win against Arsenal ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Arsenal feared losing Ethan Nwaneri to Chelsea – now he has eyes on Owen and Rooney records
This time two years ago, all seemed well at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team were the best in the land, five points clear at the top of the table and in the midst of a seven-match winning run in the ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Arteta expected Chelsea to be title 'contenders'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be "contenders" to win the Premier League this season.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Arteta expected Chelsea to be title 'contenders'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be "contenders" to win the Premier League this season.BBC News - 2d -
Amorim: I won't get time Arteta had at Arsenal
Ruben Amorim has said he won't get the same time to rebuild Manchester United as Mikel Arteta has enjoyed at Arsenal as the two managers prepare to meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.ESPN - Mar. 8 -
Mikel Arteta defends ‘brave’ White for England snub during Southgate reign
Defender has not played for country since 2022 White now back in frame under Thomas Tuchel Mikel Arteta has defended Ben White’s “brave” decision to make himself unavailable for England under ...The Guardian - 2d -
Mikel Arteta Confirms Saka’s Progress as Arsenal Target Champions League Glory
Bukayo Saka’s Recovery Progress: Arsenal Star Targets Champions League ReturnSaka’s Rehabilitation Gains MomentumMikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Bukayo Saka’s recovery, confirming...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Exclusive: 25-year-old Arsenal midfielder wants exit from the club to make La Liga move
One of the Arsenal midfielders who is not in the future plans of manager Mikel Arteta is looking to leave the club in the summer transfer window.The Gunners are set to go through changes after this ...Yahoo Sports - 11h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Bucs attached to Scouting Combine star in new mock draft
Nick Emmanwori is the latest defender to be attached to the Bucs during the mock draft season.Yahoo Sports - 7m -
Braves' Spencer Strider sparkles in 1st spring start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery
Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Auburn's March Madness 2025 bracket considered the toughest by USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer
USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer predicts Auburn to run into a 'boobytrap' as the south region's top seed.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
How to watch the 2025 Valspar Championship on NBC, Golf Channel and more
The final stop of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing is here. Here's how to keep up with the action.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Premiership to introduce away ends for rugby fans
Away sections are coming to the Gallagher Premiership with the league set to introduce two trials at the end of April. Telegraph Sport understands that the trials will take place at two fixtures – ...Yahoo Sports - 11m
More in Sports
-
Antonio vows to return to football after car crash
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has insisted he will play professional football again after he recovers from being involved in a near-fatal road traffic collision in December.ESPN - 6m -
Bucs attached to Scouting Combine star in new mock draft
Nick Emmanwori is the latest defender to be attached to the Bucs during the mock draft season.Yahoo Sports - 7m -
Braves' Spencer Strider sparkles in 1st spring start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery
Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Auburn's March Madness 2025 bracket considered the toughest by USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer
USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer predicts Auburn to run into a 'boobytrap' as the south region's top seed.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
How to watch the 2025 Valspar Championship on NBC, Golf Channel and more
The final stop of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing is here. Here's how to keep up with the action.Yahoo Sports - 11m