Arsenal produced the performance of the season on Tuesday evening as they beat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates.
Declan Rice took most of the headlines from this game after netting a brace of free-kicks against the European champions.
However, there are a few other Arsenal players who deserve credit in this match.
Bukayo Saka has earned some praise after this game, while Jakub Kiwior proved his doubters wrong with a steady showing,
Mikel Merino got on the scoresheet against Madrid, and speaking on It’s All Kicking Off, Chris Sutton has hailed the Spaniard.
Sutton says that Merino shouldn’t have even been playing in this game really – Merino has taken up a starting role as striker after Kai Havertz picked up an injury, but the pundit noted that he was unbelievable in this match.
Mikel Merino was unbelievable vs Real Madrid
Sutton spoke about Merino and his performance on Tuesday.
The pundit says the £25m man shouldn’t have even been playing in this game, but he stepped up brilliantly and made the impact that Arsenal needed him to make.
“The atmosphere was raucous before hand. And Declan Rice, what was it? How many free kicks has he taken before and not scored?” Sutton said.
“And then he puts two in like that. I mean, unstoppable. What a moment for him.
“And then Merino scoring. He shouldn’t have even been playing. Arsenal don’t have a proper striker.
“What a finish from him as well. Unbelievable.”
Mikel Merino stats vs Real Madrid
Sutton hailed Merino for his performance against Los Blancos, and it’s easy to see why.
Of course, the fact that Merino scored is the headline from this game, but his all-round performance was brilliant too.
Merino worked his socks off in the attack for Arsenal, making two tackles during the game – a higher tally than either Jakub Kiwior or William Saliba at the back.
| Mikel Merino stats vs Real Madrid | |
| Shots | 3 |
| Shots on target | 3 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Tackles | 2 |
Perhaps it shouldn’t be too much of a shock that Merino stepped up in this game.
Indeed, the midfielder-turned striker has a remarkable record against Madrid in his career, boasting a solid win record, while scoring more goals against Real Madrid than any other club.
| Mikel Merino record vs Real Madrid | |
| Games | 11 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Goals | 4 |
For one reason or another, Merino seems to have Madrid’s number somewhat, and Arsenal will be hoping he can produce the goods again in the second-leg.
