Arsenal progressed to the Champions League semi-final following a 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the quarter-final stage.
The Gunners had a 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. They secured a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu last night.
The defence was rubber-tight for most of the game, barring one major blunder.
Several defensive and midfield players earned plaudits, but Mikel Merino was an unsung hero upfront for Arsenal, in our view.
The Spaniard provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s opening goal and replicated the feat for Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner.
Merino, who had 32 touches, also impressed defensively, with seven duels won and four clearances.
Following the game, the 28-year-old posted on Instagram that the best is yet to come from Arsenal.
Santi Cazorla was one of those who responded. The Gunners favourite replied with hands-up and heart emojis.
Jurrien Timber commented ‘you are insane’ while Bukayo Saka described Merino as ‘so good’.
Here are screenshots:
Merino had a slow start to his Gunners career after a shoulder injury. There were questions raised about whether he could cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
However, the Euro 2024 winner has redeemed himself over the course of the campaign. He has been exceptional since operating as a makeshift striker for Arsenal.
Since coming on as a substitute against Leicester in mid-February, the Spaniard has registered six goals and three assists for the London giants in all competitions.
Merino was brought in to operate as a defensive or central midfielder, but he has exceeded expectations with his regular goal contributions over the last two months.
Arsenal will be hoping he can continue his sparkling form. The Gunners host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on April 29.
Stats from Sofascore.com
