Arsenal hero Merino rules out new role following Leicester brace | OneFootball

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino says he won’t be the club’s new striker after scoring twice against Leicester City on Saturday.

The Spain international came off the bench in the second half with the game scoreless, replacing Raheem Sterling to play as a makeshift centre-forward.

Merino broke the deadlock in the 81st minute before getting a second shortly after to secure a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium and close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points.

Arsenal hero Merino rules out striker role following brace

“He [Mikel Arteta] told me to come in as a striker this morning,” the 28-year-old told TNT Sports. “We were talking about it a little bit with one of the assistants. It is the first time in my career that I’ve played that position.

“He told me to go with my strengths and luckily I could help the team with two goals today.”

With Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all out with injuries, Arsenal are light on attacking options, but Merino is doubtful he will reprise the striker role as a regular starter.

“I don’t think so to be honest,” he said. “It is the first time I have scored a brace coming off the bench as a striker.

“I forgot to give my wife something for Valentine’s Day so this goes to her. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose and some chocolate.

“Today was a tough game. But I think these games are the ones you need the spirit. Games like today are really good for the squad.”

Ethan Nwaneri provided the assist for Merino’s first goal with a brilliant cross, the highlight of another impressive performance from the teenager.

“He is an amazing player,” said Merino. “Every time I do an interview you guys ask me about him.

“We have to keep the foot on the gas and if we keep doing this job then good things will come in the future.”

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