Arsenal Claim Hard-fought Victory At Leicester From Mikel Merino's Strike

 

Arsenal secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, credit to a late brace from substitute Mikel Merino narrowing the margin between the side and the table leaders, Liverpool. 

It was a tightly contested game until the latter stages. Both teams created few clear-cut chances in the first half. Leicester's defense was solid, while Arsenal's attack struggled to find penetration - both flanks were tightly defended. 

The game changed upon the substitution of Raheem Sterling for Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder was pushed up front in an emergency role, and he responded with two accomplished goals. The first goal came from a header following Ethan Nwaneri's cross and slotting in the net Leandro Trossard's through pass for the second goal. 

Arsenal moved within four points of Liverpool's lead, restoring their Premier League title hopes. Leicester, meanwhile, will be encouraged by their performance, despite the defeat which extended their winless run to nine of previous 10 Premier League games.

Overview 

Initially, it was frustrating for Arsenal as Leucester maintained strong defense. The first half was uninspiring and neither sides seemed like they were going to break the deadlock. It was a little difficult for Arsenal for the tactics they deployed against resolute Leicester. Raheem Sterling had to play from the left while Nwaneri was playing from the right. 

Replacing Sterling with Merino paid of as the Spaniard moved to the centre as the striker in the absence Kai Havertz. The substitutions made proved to be effective with Arsenal getting two goals in the last 10 minutes and both goals came from Merino. 

Trossard was impressive regardless of the role but Merino striking while he moved to the left. The adjustment sort of loosened the side to move effectively leading to both goals from Merino. Nwaneri, the 17-year-old sensation, was the standout player on the pitch. His effervescence and skill were unmatched, and he played a crucial role in creating the first goal.

However, Leicester's Woyo Coubailly was impressive at the back likewise Jordan Ayew, who was powering the side in the attack. They maintained composure in all areas even after Arsenal broke through.