'Mikel Merino, my f*cking striker!' - Arsenal fans label Mikel Arteta a 'genius' as auxiliary No.9 emerges as unlikely hero with late two-goal salvo to down Leicester amid Gunners' injury crisis

Midfielder Merino replaced Raheem Sterling for the last 20 minutes of the clash at King Power Stadium, with manager Arteta tasking him to lead Arsenal's attack. The Spaniard ended up scoring two goals in the 81st and 87th minute to give the Gunners a crucial Premier League victory at Leicester on Saturday. Fans quickly took to social media to laud Merino and Arteta for their actions.

@now_arsenaI posted on X: "MERINO MY F*CKING STRIKER," while @seanafc_ tweeted: "Merino is actually a striker WTF."

@Supreme_Garaad commented: "Arteta is a genius. Brought on Merino as a no9 and he bags 2 goals in less than ten mins. My [GOAT] manager."

Glen_Kightley wrote: "Guys!!!!!! We have had a Striker right there all this time!!!!! Merino Masterclass."

@LauraKirk12 stated: "GENERATIONAL STRIKER MIKEL MERINO," and @DailyAFC added: "They said we needed a striker, when we’ve got Mikel Merino at home."

This result is a huge boost for Arsenal as they are without forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz for the season due to injury, and Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are also sidelined. So for the Gunners to beat Leicester and potentially find a striker solution in Merino is just what the north London team need as they closed to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Next up for Arteta's side is a home league clash with London neighbours West Ham next Saturday. It remains to be seen if Merino will start up front in that clash.