'The reality is that he's winning matches for us'

Mikel Merino celebrates goal in front of fans — [Getty Images]

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."

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