Arsenal produced a stunning display in the Champions League sweeping aside reigning European champions Real Madrid 3-0.
It was certainly a night to remember at a raucous Emirates Stadium as the Gunners produced one of their finest displays in recent history.
Declan Rice’s exquisite free-kicks stole the show in the second half, meanwhile, Mikel Arteta earned praise for his tactical setup on the night.
Normally a midfielder, Mikel Merino continued as Arsenal’s makeshift striker and whipped home a third from the edge of the box to cap off a flawless night for Arsenal.
Saka praises Mikel Merino on Instagram
Following season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal were left with no recognised striker so Arteta had to think outside the box and turned to central midfielder Merino.
The Spaniard has performed admirably for the Gunners in his new role, scoring six goals in nine games up front, including winners against Leicester and Chelsea.
After his winner vs Chelsea, Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports: “We have had top players out for many many months. Our team has an incredible resilience. Mikel really wants to do well, he has never played that position before but he is scoring goals.
“He is a really dangerous player in the box and he can help us. Really pleased, even physically it is a very different game to play as a nine.”
Following the Madrid game, Bukayo Saka took to Instagram to praise the Spaniard.
He replied to Merino’s post saying that the auxiliary forward is ‘on fire’.
Both Saka and Merino praised the atmosphere that the Arsenal fans generated at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Merino proving doubters wrong
However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 28-year-old in north London.
Merino joined Arsenal last summer but struggled in the first few months as he struggled to adapt to the pace and energy levels of the Premier League.
The former Real Sociedad man even picked up a shoulder injury in his first training session for Arsenal, sidelining him for around a month.
Following victory against Brentford earlier in the season, a game in which Merino scored, Troy Deeney questioned his credentials whilst acknowledging the midfielder’s strengths – via BBC Sport.
He said: “I’m not sure if he’s going to be up to the level of Arsenal but I’m going to give him until next year with a pre-season.
“He’s neat, tidy, very fluid in the way he plays. He can go as a six, he can go as an eight, he just keeps the ball ticking over really well.
“I bet as a team-mate he’s excellent to have in your team.”
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