Arsenal managed to overcome their injury problems and secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday, thanks to two late goals from Mikel Merino. The win keeps Mikel Arteta’s team within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Playing at the King Power Stadium, Arsenal struggled for much of the game to break down a determined Leicester side. With several key attacking players unavailable due to injuries, Arteta had to make adjustments, including using Spanish midfielder Merino as a makeshift striker in the latter stages of the match.
The decision proved to be the turning point. Merino, who came off the bench, scored twice in the last nine minutes to ensure Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in the league to 15 games. The victory came at an important time for the Gunners, who were returning to action after being eliminated from the FA Cup and losing to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-finals.
Liverpool, who were held to a draw by Everton earlier in the week, have a chance to restore their seven-point lead if they win against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
Arsenal’s attacking options were severely limited heading into the match. Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai. His absence added to Arsenal’s woes, as they also failed to bring in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins during the January transfer window.
Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli were also unavailable, forcing Arteta to start Belgian winger Leandro Trossard as the central striker. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri and the struggling Raheem Sterling were deployed on the wings.
