‘This is the first time I’ve played as a striker,’ Merino confesses, says his two goals are his Valentine gift for his wife

Arsenal’s makeshift striker Mikel Merino confessed he has never played as a striker in his career until Mikel Arteta told him he would be playing that role Saturday morning.

Speaking to TNT Sports after scoring the two late goals that gave Arsenal all three points against Leicester City at the King Power stadium and which extended the Gunners’ unbeaten run in the Premier League to 15, Merino believes it is not a role he will be regularly deployed to play.

“He [Arteta] told me to come in as a striker this morning. We were talking about it a little bit with one of the assistants. It is the first time in my career that I’ve played that position.

“He told me to go with my strengths and luckily I could help the team with two goals today.”

On him starting as a striker regularly: “I don’t think so to be honest. It is the first time I have scored a brace coming off the bench as a striker.

“I forgot to give my wife something for Valentine’s Day so this goes to her. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose and some chocolate.

“Today was a tough game. But I think these games are the ones you need the spirit. Games like today are really good for the squad.”

On Ethan Nwaneri: “He is an amazing player. Every time I do an interview you guys ask me about him.

“We have to keep the foot on the gas and if we keep doing this job then good things will come in the future.”