EPL: Arsenal Edge Past Leicester to Keep Premier League Title Dreams Alive
Mikel Merino's late brace helped Arsenal secure a 2-1 win over Leicester City, keeping their Premier League title hopes alive.
Mikel Merino's late double off the bench breathed new life into Arsenal's title aspirations as they eked out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. This win stretched Arsenal's unbeaten league run to 15 games, keeping their dreams of a first Premier League title in 21 years alive.
Arsenal's preparations for the match were dealt a significant blow when Kai Havertz was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. With Havertz joining Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines, Mikel Arteta was forced to experiment with his attacking lineup. Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri flanked makeshift striker Leandro Trossard, but the trio struggled to make an impact.
The first half was a lackluster affair, with Arsenal's attacking shortcomings glaringly apparent. Aside from a Declan Rice header that drifted wide, the Gunners created scant opportunities, leaving Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen largely untested. Leicester, meanwhile, posed little threat, although Wilfried Ndidi did test David Raya with a shot from distance, and he headed wide from a promising position on the cusp of halftime.
Mikel Merino saves the day for @Arsenal!
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2025
He comes off the bench as a centre-forward, and scores a brace to win the match!#LEIARS pic.twitter.com/91caxGqx7M
Merino's introduction off the bench proved pivotal, as he scored twice in the latter stages to snatch victory for Arsenal. His goals ensured that the Gunners remain in the hunt for the Premier League title, despite their injury woes.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid responded with a powerful shot that forced David Raya into a save, although the Spaniard had little trouble handling the strike as it was directed straight at him. Later, Ethan Nwaneri unleashed an even more potent effort that crashed against the post, hinting that the teenager might be the catalyst for a breakthrough.
That prediction proved accurate as Nwaneri delivered a precise, inswinging cross that found the head of Mikel Merino. The midfielder showcased a striker's instincts, nodding the ball into the corner with a clinical finish. Merino doubled his tally just six minutes later, producing another composed finish by tapping Leandro Trossard's cross home at the far post, securing the win for Arsenal.
Introduced off the bench as a centre-forward, and then scores the crucial goal to put @Arsenal ahead!
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2025
Mikel Merino 👏#LEIARS pic.twitter.com/MvZjZs6RnI
The result narrows Arsenal's gap with league leaders Liverpool to four points, although Liverpool will have the opportunity to extend their lead when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. In contrast, Leicester remains in the relegation zone, two points behind the 17th-placed team, having suffered five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring a goal.
No comments:
Leave comment here