Arsenal overcame their injury struggles to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, reducing the deficit to four points with a 2-0 win over Leicester on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to be wasting a golden opportunity to apply pressure on Liverpool, as they struggled to break down a resolute Leicester defense at the King Power Stadium. With several key players sidelined, Arteta turned to Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, who had been brought on as a makeshift striker in the final stages.
The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as Merino scored twice in the last nine minutes, extending Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 15 games in the league.
Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final second leg and an early FA Cup exit, the Gunners returned to action with a crucial win, keeping them firmly in the race behind Liverpool.
Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Everton in midweek allowed Arsenal to close the gap, but Jurgen Klopp’s side can extend their lead back to seven points if they beat Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
Arsenal’s attacking options were severely limited due to injuries, with Kai Havertz ruled out for the season after a hamstring injury sustained during the club’s training trip to Dubai. Havertz’s injury came just weeks after Arsenal failed to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in January. With Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli already unavailable, Arteta was forced to deploy Leandro Trossard as a central striker.
Despite the depleted squad, Arsenal was able to capitalize on Leicester’s woes, with the struggling Foxes engaged in a vocal protest against their Thai owners and director of football Jon Rudkin.
The first half saw Arsenal labor to create clear-cut chances, with Declan Rice wasting a good opportunity and Sterling’s lack of confidence evident throughout. Nwaneri, however, was one of the few bright spots for Arteta’s side, sending a powerful shot off the post and creating space for further attacks.
Finally, in the 81st minute, Nwaneri’s pinpoint cross found Merino, who headed past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to break the deadlock. Merino celebrated exuberantly before sealing his brace seven minutes later, latching onto a Trossard cross and scoring again to ensure Arsenal’s victory and keep their title hopes alive.
Despite a slow start, Arteta’s tactical gamble paid off as Merino’s clinical finishing secured all three points for the Gunners.
AFP
