Arsenal kept their Premier League title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday, thanks to two late goals from substitute Mikel Merino.
The Gunners struggled to break down Leicester’s defense for most of the match at the King Power Stadium, but manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring on Merino as a makeshift striker proved to be the turning point.
With several key attackers injured, including Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arteta was forced to rely on Leandro Trossard as the central forward. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling supported him from the wings.
Despite their struggles in front of goal, Arsenal’s patience paid off in the 81st minute. Nwaneri delivered a precise cross into the box, and Merino rose highest to head the ball past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Merino doubled Arsenal’s lead just seven minutes later, connecting with a Trossard cross to seal the victory.
The win extends Arsenal’s unbeaten league run to 15 matches and moves them four points behind league leaders Liverpool.
