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Mikel Merino has now made 28 goal contributions for club and country in 2025, and his goal for Arsenal during their 1-1 draw with Chelsea is making him a genuine option uptop.
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points after battling to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Mikel Merino once again stepping up as the Gunners’ unexpected goal-scoring hero.
Chelsea, reduced to 10 men after Moisés Caicedo’s first-half red card, took the lead early in the second half through Trevoh Chalobah. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Blues held firm, frustrating Arsenal before Merino eventually broke their resistance with a well-timed header.
Bukayo Saka carved open the right flank and delivered a perfect cross into the area, allowing Merino to steer home Arsenal’s equaliser — his third goal while deputising as an emergency centre-forward.
A Midfielder Becoming an Unlikely No. 9
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With Arsenal spending the last month operating without a recognised striker, Merino has unexpectedly flourished in the centre-forward role in 2025.
The Spaniard has now contributed goals or assists in several key matches — including Sunderland (assist in 2-2), Slavia Prague (goal in 4-0), Tottenham (impactful in 4-1), and Bayern Munich (3-1 win) — prompting growing calls for Mikel Arteta to keep trusting him up front.
Merino’s form has arrived just as Arsenal begin to regain attacking depth. Gabriel Jesus made the bench for the first time in more than 300 days, Viktor Gyökeres returned after being sidelined since early November, and Kai Havertz is close to a comeback.
But despite the renewed competition, Merino’s intelligence, movement and link-up play have made him an increasingly convincing option.
“I work hard on positioning myself in the right areas,” the midfielder said when asked about adapting to a striker’s role. “I try to stay on the blind side of centre-backs and attack the ball at the highest point possible.”
With 28 goal contributions for club and country in 2025, Arsenal fans feel he has become indispensable.
Arsenal Fans Shower Praise on Merino
Fans took to social media to heap praise on the Spaniard, with many calling him one of the Premier League’s best-performing auxiliary strikers.
On X (formerly Twitter), @segunalabs01: “I’m so happy Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyökeres play for Arsenal. Merino stepped up in Gyökeres’ absence. Both will be crucial this season.”
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has also weighed in, remarking:
“Merino is more trusted in the big games. You know what you’re going to get.”
Other fans were even more emphatic:@tychamps1: “Man deserves a statue at Arsenal.” @Mide_cryptsol: “Merino showing why he’s indispensable! Clinical finish. This is the fight we needed.”
@Harsh09Singh: “Your contribution to my beloved club will never be forgotten! What a shift up top.”
Meanwhile, some supporters noted that Merino and David Raya were among the few bright spots on a night where Arsenal struggled overall.
@deniyiclement: “Save Merino and Raya, there was hardly an Arsenal player who had a fine night… This was not Arsenal’s night.”
With Jesus, Gyökeres and Havertz all nearing full fitness, Arteta will soon have three natural strikers at his disposal. But Merino’s consistency — and his ability to elevate those around him — has created an unexpected selection dilemma.