Mikel Arteta Heaps Praise On Two-Goal Arsenal Star

Mikel Arteta hailed Mikel Merino’s performance against Slavia Prague as a “joy” after he fired Arsenal to victory.

Merino struck twice in the second half as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners in Prague to maintain their perfect start to this season’s Champions League.

As was the case towards the end of last season, Merino was tasked with playing as a No9 because Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are all injured.

The Spaniard scored seven goals when playing as a striker last season and he continued his fine form to down Slavia Prague.

“It’s a joy to have him,” said Arteta. “It’s his versatility on the pitch, the things that he can do. It’s his mindset, it’s his leadership, it’s the way he is as a person.

“Today we are missing a lot of attacking players and we have to find different solutions. He comes in Champions League and scores two goals.