Leicester v Arsenal LIVE: Mikel Merino scores superb double to guide Gunners to vital win
Injury-hit Arsenal close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League thanks to a late Mikel Merino double
An inspired substitution proved the difference for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late double sealed a vital three points at Leicester City, closing the gap at the top of the table.
Following an uneventful first-half, things didn’t look like they were going to go the way of the injury-stricken Gunners, as Ethan Nwaneri rattled the woodwork twice after the break.
However, Mikel Arteta’s decision to operate natural midfielder Merino as a makeshift number nine proved game-changing, with the Spaniard netting a brilliant brace to guide Arsenal to victory at the King Power Stadium.
The win moves Arsenal to within four points of league leaders Liverpool after Everton denied the Reds victory with a late equaliser in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday.
Relive all the action from the King Power Stadium below:
GOAL! Leicester 0-2 Arsenal
87 mins: GOAL! Who said Arsenal lacked a born-striker?
Arsenal break forward on the counter as Trossard is found on the left by Calafiori. The Belgian then whips in a low cross that is tucked away brilliantly by, you guessed it, Mikel Merino.
The Spaniard has changed the game for Arsenal today.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
84 mins: Heart-in-mouth moment for Arsenal as both Mavididi and Ndidi come close to letting fly from a Leicester delivery. The Gunners are able to survive.
As things stand, Arsenal will move to within four points of league leaders Liverpool.
GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
81 mins: GOAL! Mikel Merino heads in a massive goal for Arsenal - and of course it was made by Ethan Nwaneri!
Nwaneri delightfully whips in a delivery to the big Spaniard, who does exactly what Arteta brought him on to do and rises highest to head down past Hermansen.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
76 mins: OFF THE POST! Nwaneri hits the woodwork again!
Arsenal’s main source of attacking impetus this afternoon, the youngster drives forward into the box and lashes an effort towards goal, rattling the inside of the post.
Hermansen might’ve got a vital touch on that.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
73 mins: CLOSE! Myles Lewis-Skelly, take a bow.
A sublime piece of back-post defending to deny Bobby Decordova-Reid a certain tap-in, with a deft touch diverting the ball past the Jamaican and out for a corner - instead of his own net.
That’ll be Lewis-Skelly’s final act as he makes way for Califiori. Jorginho is also on for Partey, while Leicester make an attacking change - former Gunners academy product Stephy Mavididi enters the fray in place of Jordan Ayew.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
71 mins: Merino might be a central midfielder by trade but he’s on as a target man for Arsenal, playing down the middle.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
69 mins: Time for Mikel Arteta to finally switch things up as he brings off Raheem Sterling in place of Mikel Merino.
Sterling had a big opportunity to prove his worth for Arsenal amid a lack of attacking options. However, it’s come to no avail for the winger - a rough outing.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
67 mins: Arsenal might be dominating possession in Leicester’s half at the moment, but the Foxes are looking dangerous when they get the opportunity to break.
Their most recent attack sees Bobby Decordova-Reid sting the palms of David Raya from range.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
65 mins: Things are opening up now.
Leicester come forward and do well to force a corner, but nothing arises from it.
Then up the other end, Arsenal put the pressure on and win a free-kick on the right. Once again, the Foxes are able to survive an Arsenal set-piece.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
61 mins: OFF THE BAR! So, so close to an absolute stunner from Ethan Nwaneri.
He collects Odegaard’s pass and chops inside a pair of Foxes defenders before curling one towards the top-left corner from 20 yards out.
It flicks the top of the bar and flies over into the stands. Some player this lad.
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