Arteta hails Spanish star Merino’s display for Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal defeated Brentford 2-0 this Wednesday (3rd), at the Emirates Stadium, in the 14th round of the Premier League, and remained firmly at the top with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

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After ten minutes of play, Mikel Merino took advantage of a cross from Ben White and headed firmly to open the scoring (11’).

In stoppage time of the second half, Bukayo Saka received a through ball, broke into the area and shot with his left foot; goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made a partial save, but the ball ended up crossing the goal line (90’+1).

According to statistics website Opta, no player has scored as many headers as Mikel Merino since the start of last season’s Premier League.

“What he did today was incredible. Not just the goal, which was magnificent, but also his movement, his quality, his finishing, how he reads the moment and his dedication. He is phenomenal,” said coach Mikel Arteta.

Of the 14 goals the Spanish midfielder has scored since the start of the 2024-2025 season, eight have been headers.

With the win, the Gunners have 33 points, compared to 28 for the Citizens, who beat Fulham 5-4 on Tuesday.

This more attacking approach from the former Real Sociedad and Osasuna player was reinforced last season, when injuries that affected Arsenal’s attack led Arteta to use Merino as a reference in the offensive sector.

Next Saturday, for the 15th round, Arsenal will visit Aston Villa, who achieved their fourth consecutive win in the league by defeating Brighton 4-3.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.