Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised match-winner Mikel Merino for his ability to sense danger in the opponent's box after the midfielder's two late goals as a makeshift striker against Leicester City earned a precious 2-0 win on Saturday.

Moments before Merino was thrown on for the final 20 minutes at the King Power Stadium, he was collared by Arteta for some final instructions. It turned out to be a masterstroke. Merino’s two goals in the final 10 minutes secured a 2-0 win and, crucially, meant Arsenal kept pace with Liverpool in the title race.

Mikel Arteta reflected on Arsenal’s vital win over Leicester City, praising Ethan Nwaneri, defending Raheem Sterling, and explaining Mikel Merino’s unexpected heroics.As the Gunners closed the