For Arsenal supporters, seeing Mikel Merino celebrate another goal in the number nine role has become a familiar sight in recent months. On Tuesday night, the 29-year-old midfielder once again proved his worth up front, scoring twice in Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague.

Merino was standing in for Viktor Gyökeres, who is sidelined with a muscle injury that has given manager Mikel Arteta reason for concern. Yet, Arteta can take comfort in Merino’s consistency, as the Gunners’ latest win marked their 10th consecutive triumph across all competitions and their fourth in the league phase.

“It’s a joy to have him,” Arteta said. “His mindset, leadership, and character make a huge difference. We’ve lost a lot of attacking players, so we’ve had to adapt—and Mikel has come in, scored two goals, and led the line brilliantly.”

Merino first took on the striker role back in February, when injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus forced Arteta to improvise. Despite it being the first time since his youth that Merino had played up front, he thrived—scoring key goals against Chelsea, Fulham, and Real Madrid and finishing last season with nine goals in all competitions.

This season, the Spaniard has already netted three times, including in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle in late September—a match that began their run of eight consecutive clean sheets, equalling a club record set in 1903.

Arsenal’s Injury Woes and Tactical Flexibility

Arsenal brought in Gyökeres over the summer for £64 million, hoping the Swedish striker would provide a natural focal point in attack. He has scored six times in 14 appearances, but with Havertz and several other key attackers—Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard—currently injured, Arteta has been forced to get creative.

“You have to invent options,” Arteta admitted. “Mikel hadn’t really played there before, but last season showed us what he can do in that position. We believed this game was another great opportunity for him to perform.”

Against Slavia Prague, Merino showcased his adaptability. After Bukayo Saka’s penalty gave Arsenal the lead, Merino doubled their advantage with a composed finish from Leandro Trossard’s cross, then added a powerful header from a Declan Rice delivery to seal the win.

A key figure both on and off the pitch, Merino has become one of Arteta’s trusted leaders within the squad. “He has excellent timing and one-touch finishing,” Arteta added. “We’ve been working on his movement and awareness around the box—he’s improving every game.”

Merino’s Mindset

Fresh off Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph—where he scored the extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals—Merino continues to embody Arsenal’s resilience.

“This team doesn’t make excuses about injuries,” he said. “We all keep the same mentality and fire. I’m not a natural number nine, but I’m learning the role and doing everything I can to help with goals.”

Arsenal’s depth has been tested early this season, but with Merino’s versatility and form, Arteta’s side remains firmly on track—leading the Premier League, progressing in Europe, and staying alive in the domestic cups.