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:
What is the Leicester team news?
Ruud van Nistelrooy has no new injury concerns after his side’s controversial loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup, with Issahaku Fatawu the only long-term absence.
Jamie Vardy, Jannik Vestergaard and Victor Kristiansen could all return after suffering knocks, though Ricardo Pereira is still a couple of weeks away.
When is Leicester vs Arsenal?
Leicester vs Arsenal is due to kick off at 12.30pm on Saturday, 15 February at the Emirates Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11.30am. Subscribers can watch online via discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Good morning
Arsenal return to Premier League action after almost a fortnight as they face a struggling Leicester City side at the King Power Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side exited the Carabao Cup last week after a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Newcastle, but they are still in the hunt for a first Premier League title since 2004 as they trail Liverpool by seven points ahead of the weekend.
Though a season-ending injury to Kai Havertz compounds an injury crisis of sorts for the Gunners, all they can do is continue to try to pick up points ahead of a crunch match at Anfield in early May.
And today they face a Leicester side who find themselves in 18th place, two points away from safety, after a difficult start to life at the helm for Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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