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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0</li><li>Substitute scores twice late on</li><li>Fans call Merino their new no.9</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Mikel Merino, my f*cking striker!' - Arsenal fans label Mikel Arteta a 'genius' as auxiliary No.9 emerges as unlikely hero with late two-goal salvo to down Leicester amid Gunners' injury crisis

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Arsenal

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Leicester

<p>Midfielder Merino replaced Raheem Sterling for the last 20 minutes of the clash at King Power Stadium, with manager Arteta tasking him to lead Arsenal's attack. The Spaniard ended up scoring two goals in the 81st and 87th minute to give the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-leicester-mikel-merino-raheem-sterling/bltd677abc55880c4ce" target="_blank">Gunners a crucial Premier League victory at Leicester</a> on Saturday. Fans quickly took to social media to laud Merino and Arteta for their actions.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>@now_arsenaI posted on X: "MERINO MY F*CKING STRIKER," while @seanafc_ tweeted: "Merino is actually a striker WTF."</p><p>@Supreme_Garaad commented: "Arteta is a genius. Brought on Merino as a no9 and he bags 2 goals in less than ten mins. My [GOAT] manager."</p><p>Glen_Kightley wrote: "Guys!!!!!! We have had a Striker right there all this time!!!!! Merino Masterclass."</p><p>@LauraKirk12 stated: "GENERATIONAL STRIKER MIKEL MERINO," and @DailyAFC added: "They said we needed a striker, when we’ve got Mikel Merino at home."</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

<p>This result is a huge boost for Arsenal as they are without forwards <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-gunners-gabriel-jesus-surgery-acl-injury-brazil-forward/blt508845b8f8d6d7da" target="_blank">Gabriel Jesus</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kai-havertz-season-is-over-arsenal-star-suffers-torn-hamstring-dubai-training-camp-mikel-arteta-another-devastating-injury-blow/blt7a839c91e959a122" target="_blank">Kai Havertz</a> for the season due to injury, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/huge-blow-arsenal-gabriel-martinelli-ruled-out-hamstring-injury-carabao-cup-loss-newcastle/bltd5f469cdf7d0d547" target="_blank">Gabriel Martinelli</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-injury-boost-bukayo-saka-ben-white-spotted-with-gunners-squad-mikel-arteta-dubai-carabao-cup-exit/blt024bc5161f1e5e32" target="_blank">Bukayo Saka </a>are also sidelined. So for the Gunners to beat Leicester and potentially find a striker solution in Merino is just what the north London team need as they closed to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Next up for Arteta's side is a home league clash with London neighbours West Ham next Saturday. It remains to be seen if Merino will start up front in that clash.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'Mikel Merino, my f*cking striker!' - Arsenal fans label Mikel Arteta a 'genius' as auxiliary No.9 emerges as unlikely hero with late two-goal salvo to down Leicester amid Gunners' injury crisis | Goal.com

Mikel Arteta has been hailed as a &quot;genius&quot; after his decision to play Mikel Merino in attack worked wonders following his brace at Leicester City.

&apos;Mikel Merino, my f*cking striker!&apos; - Arsenal fans label Mikel Arteta a &apos;genius&apos; as auxiliary No.9 emerges as unlikely hero with late two-goal salvo to down Leicester amid Gunners&apos; injury crisis

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