Declan Rice reacts as Mikel Merino sends ‘ready’ message after Arsenal beat Newcastle
Mikel Merino has posted a message on social media following his strong showing in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle on Sunday.
The Spaniard also created one chance, while making three tackles and a clearance back in his more familiar midfield role (FotMob).
Mikel Merino sends message after Arsenal beat Newcastle
Merino took to Instagram after the match to thank the supporters who turned out in Singapore, while also reacting to Arsenal‘s latest win.
“We keep getting ready! One more game, one more win! Thanks Singapore,” Merino wrote, with Signapore flag, golf and football emojis.
Merino’s post received plenty of reaction, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly among the teammates to drop him a like.
Jurrien Timber also liked the post, alongside leaving a comment with three fire emojis.
Mikel Merino returns to midfield
Football Insider verdict
Merino is naturally a midfielder and was signed by Arsenal last summer to perform such a role.
However, injuries and the shortage of a consistent No.9 meant the Spaniard had to play extensively as a stand-in centre-forward.
| Arsenal stats | Mikel Merino |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 5 |
And the 29-year-old did so to great effect, registering nine goals and five assists in 44 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions so far.
According to Transfermarkt, 12 of those outings have come in the striker position, with Merino notching six goals and three assists on those occasions.
All of that said, Merino will likely be very relieved to be back in his midfield position, as shown by his performance on Sunday.
It’s unlikely the former Real Sociedad man will see too much action up-top next season, either, with Arsenal finally completing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, while Kai Havertz is back fit and Gabriel Jesus not far behind him.
Still, Arteta knows he can rely on his compatriot if disaster strikes again.