Arsenal’s Super-Sub Merino Jokes About Valentine’s Day Redemption
Mikel Merino joke that his match-winning brace in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday served belated Valentine’s Day gift for his wife. After he forgot to buy her a present.
Mikel Merino is now officially a Gunner. So there’s no better time to get to know our new signing a little better!
He is no stranger to football fans in England, having play in the Premier League for Newcastle United and starred for Spain at Euro 2024. When he netted a famous late winner to beat Germany during La Roja’s march to the title.
The Spanish midfielder came off the bench to play as an emergency striker for the injury-hit Gunners and delivered two late goals in the 81st and 87th minutes, sealing a crucial win in the Premier League title race.
“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.”
It was the first time Merino had scored เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง twice in a game since 2016 when he played for Osasuna in Spain’s second division.
His unexpected role in attack came after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was forced to reshuffle his depleted squad, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined.
Merino admitted he had never played as a striker before. “Mikel told me to come in as a striker this morning. 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.”
His performance kept Arsenal’s title hopes alive, cutting Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to four points ahead of the Reds’ clash with Wolves on Sunday.
Despite his heroics, Merino laughed off any suggestion of permanently switching positions.
“I don’t think so, to be honest. It is the first time I have scored a brace coming off the bench as a striker.”