By Korede James
A second half brace from Mikel Merino earned a depleted Arsenal side a 2-0 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the English Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners are now four points off leaders Liverpool in the league table, with the Reds in action on Sunday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester remain in the relegation zone in 18th place, two points from safety.
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was in action for Leicester City, making his 16th appearance in the English top flight this campaign.
Going into the tie, the discussions had centered around how Arsenal would cope without their key forwards, with the quartet of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz all out injured.
But Merino made a telling difference off the bench as the emergency centre forward, breaking the deadlock in the 81st minute.
The Spaniard, who was left unmarked inside the box, rose to nod home the impressive Ethan Nwaneri’s superb cross.
With three minutes left to play, Merino sealed the win for the Gunners after slotting home Leandro Trossard’s cross.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now hope Liverpool drop points against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Sunday.
