Former Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, has lauded the tactical prowess of current manager Mikel Arteta. He particularly highlighted how Arteta has completely transformed a £32 million signing into an unexpected star.
Despite facing numerous challenges this season, including a series of injuries to key players, Arsenal have been in sensational form. They have secured 14 victories in 17 matches across all competitions. The Gunners' attacking contingent has been hit hard with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined due to injuries. This left the team short on natural centre-forwards.
Emergence of Mikel Merino as an emergency striker
In response to these setbacks, Arteta turned to midfielder Mikel Merino as an emergency striker - a move that paid immediate dividends. Merino scored twice in Arsenal’s recent Champions League victory over Slavia Prague showcasing his adaptability and finishing prowess. Merino had rarely played as a forward before February this year but since being deployed as a makeshift No.9 he has netted nine goals and provided three assists in 17 appearances.
Former Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, said:
“This is a great move by Mikel, putting Merino up front, who has done really well up front. They’re a team that defends very well. This year they’ve made a leap in quality physically and have conceded five goals all season and zero in the Champions League. It says a lot about the solidity of this team. And then up front they have goals, they’re hungry, they have quality, they have talent.
“There are similar things, but perhaps Arsenal is more focused on being solid and going on the counterattack or scoring from set pieces. They’re an exceptional team right now. Let’s hope it can be a good year for them.”
This transformation is not only limited to club football but also extends internationally where Merino continues his scoring spree for Spain with eight goals in his last eight appearances. Arteta's ability to adapt amidst adversity showcases his managerial acumen while highlighting the importance of flexibility within football strategies. His decision not only revitalised Arsenal’s attack but also unlocked new potential within Merino – proving that sometimes, the best solutions are found within the team itself. This transformation story serves as an inspiration for sports fans and a lesson in adaptability for sports betting enthusiasts.
