Player Ratings: Mikel Merino Inspires Arsenal to Victory at Leicester

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EPL Index

·15 February 2025

Player Ratings: Mikel Merino Inspires Arsenal to Victory at Leicester

Merino Inspires Arsenal to Hard-Fought Win Over Leicester City

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, with substitute Mikel Merino delivering two crucial late goals to maintain their push in the Premier League title race. Despite a lacklustre performance for large periods, the Gunners found their cutting edge when it mattered most.

Struggles in Attack Before Merino’s Impact

With injuries decimating Arsenal’s forward line, Leandro Trossard led the attack but struggled to break down a resolute Leicester defence. The Belgian had a handful of half-chances before the break, but it was Leicester who came closest to scoring in the first half, with Wilfred Ndidi steering a shot just wide of David Raya’s goal on the stroke of half-time.

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The Gunners emerged with more intent after the interval, with the impressive Ethan Nwaneri twice striking the woodwork. However, a breakthrough remained elusive, and the decision to introduce Mikel Merino from the bench proved decisive.

Merino Makes the Difference

With 10 minutes remaining, Nwaneri, who had been Arsenal’s brightest spark, delivered a pinpoint cross that found Merino, whose header powered past Mads Hermansen to break the deadlock. The Spaniard wasn’t finished, sealing the win in stoppage time with a well-timed tap-in at the back post after a clever passage of play.

Photo: IMAGO

Leicester Left to Rue Missed Chances

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester were left frustrated after a committed display. Wilfred Ndidi’s first-half miss and Jamie Vardy’s limited opportunities highlighted their struggles in front of goal. The Foxes remained resilient until Arsenal’s late surge, with substitute Woyo Coulibaly impressing after replacing the injured James Justin.

Van Nistelrooy, renowned for his clinical finishing as a player, will be disappointed by Leicester’s wastefulness and inability to capitalise on their few clear chances. Despite their defensive resolve, Leicester could not contain Arsenal’s late onslaught, leaving the Dutchman with much to ponder.

Player Ratings

Leicester City

Mads Hermansen (GK) – 6.7/10 (Made solid saves but little chance with either goal)
James Justin (RB) – 6.7/10 (Replaced early due to injury)
Wout Faes (CB) – 6.1/10 (Tough night against Arsenal’s pace)
Caleb Okoli (CB) – 5.9/10 (Struggled with Nwaneri’s movement)
Victor Kristiansen (LB) – 6.1/10 (Energetic but exposed late on)
Wilfred Ndidi (DM) – 6.5/10 (Missed a key chance before half-time)
Boubakary Soumare (DM) – 6.5/10 (Disciplined but lacked creativity)
Bobby De Cordova-Reid (RM) – 5.8/10 (Anonymous for large spells)
Bilal El Khannouss (AM) – 6.4/10 (Showed flashes of quality)
Jordan Ayew (LM) – 6.2/10 (Limited impact before being substituted)
Jamie Vardy (ST) – 6.5/10 (Starved of service, worked hard off the ball)

Substitutes:

Woyo Coulibaly (43′ for Justin) – 7.0/10 (Solid cameo, added energy)
Stephy Mavididi (75′ for Ayew) – 6.7/10 (Lively but lacked end product)
Patson Daka (85′ for De Cordova-Reid) – N/A
Facundo Buonanotte (85′ for Ndidi) – N/A

Manager:

Ruud van Nistelrooy – 6.5/10 (Organised well but lacked clinical edge in attack)

Arsenal

David Raya (GK) – 8.1/10 (Assured presence, key saves)
Jurrien Timber (RB) – 7.4/10 (Solid defensively, supported attacks)
William Saliba (CB) – 7.2/10 (Commanding display, composed in possession)
Gabriel (CB) – 7.6/10 (Strong in duels, vital clearances)
Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) – 7.0/10 (Promising performance, supported attacks well)
Thomas Partey (DM) – 7.6/10 (Controlled midfield, broke up play)
Martin Odegaard (CM) – 7.2/10 (Creative but lacked killer pass)
Declan Rice (CM) – 7.0/10 (Steady and disciplined)
Ethan Nwaneri (RW) – 8.9/10 (Lively, hit the woodwork twice, superb cross for the opener)
Leandro Trossard (ST) – 7.5/10 (Worked hard, unlucky not to score)
Raheem Sterling (LW) – 6.5/10 (Quiet game, subbed)

Substitutes:

Mikel Merino (69′ for Sterling) – 8.5/10 (Match-winner, two goals from the bench)
Riccardo Calafiori (75′ for Lewis-Skelly) – 6.3/10 (Steady cameo)
Jorginho (75′ for Partey) – 6.2/10 (Helped see out the game)
Kieran Tierney (89′ for Trossard) – N/A

Manager: