Arsenal decimated Ipswich Town 4-0 at the Portman Road Stadium on Sunday as Leandro Trossard scored a brilliant brace, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
The game completely changed for the hosts when they were reduced to 10 men after Leif Davis was sent off for a reckless tackle on Bukayo Saka in the first half.
With this win, Arsenal have delayed Liverpool’s Premier League title party. The Reds also won their clash against Leicester City. They have a 13-point lead with five games left in the season.
Arsenal have had their moments throughout the 2024/25 season. Mikel Arteta’s men may finish second in the Premier League, but they are also in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard has a shot at history if the Gunners manage to lift the continental title.
However, their season were in dilemma a couple of months ago as they were plagued with injuries. A lot of first-team players were out for months after picking up injuries. Kai Havertz was also one of them, leaving Arsenal without any option in attack.
Arteta then turned to Mikel Merino, who is predominantly a midfielder, but the Arsenal manager decided to use him up top.
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It was a risky move, but it paid off as Merino started netting goals and providing assists during the injury crisis period. He mustered six goals and four assists in the last 13 matches, including two fantastic performances in the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid.
He scored the third goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Merino followed it up with two crucial assists in their second leg victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Former Liverpool defender and pundit Jamie Carragher was very critical about Arsenal landing the Spain international in January. He felt the North London outfit needed attacking options rather than investing in a central midfielder.
However, looking at recent performances in an uncharacteristic position, Carragher has tipped his hat for Merino, changing thoughts about the 28-year-old.
What did Carragher say about Mikel Merino following his recent performances?
Carragher was not happy with Arsenal signing Merino from Real Sociedad last January for £25.3 million.
The legendary Liverpool defender felt the Gunners were short on attacking options due to injuries and should focus on that aspect rather than signing a midfielder.
“Prioritising signing midfielder Mikel Merino ahead of another attacker last summer looks like a mistake,’ Carragher said back in January. “Merino is not a game-changer.”
With Gabriel Jesus and Havertz out on the sidelines, it looked like Carragher’s criticism was justified. Later, the former England international was shocked when he was proven wrong by the Spaniard in an uncharacteristic position.
“I just look at Merino, he’s been a revelation since he took on that striker role,” the 47-year-old told Sky Sports following Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Ipswich Town.
“I know he’s deeper today, but in the last 13 games, he has six goals and four assists,” he continued.
However, Merino returned to his natural position against the Tractor Boys as Leandro Trossard played upfront for the Gunners.
Overall, the 28-year-old has featured in 38 matches this season across all competitions. He has been extremely productive with eight goals and five assists.
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