EPL: Merino strikes twice against Leicester as Arsenal stay in title race

Mikel Merino delivers a match-winning performance off the bench as Arsenal secure a vital 2-0 victory over Leicester City.

The win keeps their Premier League title hopes very much alive, trailing only four points behind league leader, Liverpool who have one match to spare.

With key attackers sidelined and due to injury, including Kai Havertz, who is out for the season, Mikel Arteta fielded a makeshift front three of Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, and Leandro Trossard.

However, it was substitute Merino who made the difference, scoring twice in six minutes to seal the win.

The Spanish midfielder, deployed as an emergency striker, struck in the 81st and 87th minutes, ensuring Arsenal cut Liverpool’s lead at the top to four points.