Mikel Merino's wife Lola Liberal reacts after Arsenal star shockingly revealed he FORGOT about Valentine's Day & dedicated his goals against Leicester City to her instead

Merino was Arsenal's match-winner at Leicester on Saturday, scoring twice as a makeshift striker as the Gunners won 2-0. And he revealed after the game that he was dedicating his brace to his wife, having forgotten to buy a Valentine's Day gift for her on Friday. Liberal wrote on Instagram afterwards that the goals were the "best gift ever!".

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was forced to use Merino in an attacking position as a result of the Gunners' crippling injury issues, which see Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined. The Spaniard was introduced in place of Raheem Sterling in the second half and won the game for his side, heading in Ethan Nwaneri's cross before finishing Leandro Trossard's ball across.

On his Valentine's Day blunder and new playing position, Merino said: "It's a good day to score because I forgot to give my wife a Valentine's Day [gift]. So this goes to her. I think she will appreciate this more than a rose. We were talking about it [playing up front] a little bit this morning with one of the assistants. Honestly it was a surprise because it is the first time in my career that I have played in that position. He told me to make sure I go with my strengths. I think I showed it and luckily I could help the team with two goals today."

With none of Arsenal's injured forwards due back any time soon, Merino's new position may become more familiar in coming weeks. The Gunners play West Ham next Saturday before a trip to Nottingham Forest that midweek.