Mikel Merino on Arsenal’s ‘finishers’, Zubimendi’s impressive start and not writing off Man City

Arsenal’s latest force test with Manchester City is already presenting itself as one of the decisive games of the Premier League season, and Mikel Merino insists that the Gunners have both quality and mentality to beat their old title rivals again.

The Spanish midfielder has become a key figure in recent weeks after starting the campaign on the bench, but his message before the confrontation is clear: do not underestimate the city.

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“I think everyone has become a little dramatic and said that they had lost two games and that they are no longer in the title race,” said Merino. “But there is still a long way to go. It is the most difficult league in the world, so it will be difficult for anyone who continues to win each match. It’s just the start. It will be a long league and the city will be sure for sure.”

This realism was balanced by confidence. Arsenal’s 2-0 victory in the middle of the week in Bilbao has deprived their strength in depth, the substitutes playing a decisive role. For Merino, the importance of “finishers” is just as large as the departure XI.

“The guys who finished the match in Bilbao did an excellent job,” he said. “The finisters are as important as the guys who start. Each player wants to start, I will not lie, but you must have the right mindset, the right mentality. The Champions League match was a perfect example: two players enter, make a difference and win the game. This is the mentality we need towards the end of the season.”

Merino knows everything about adaptation to different roles, after being deployed as an emergency attack during the Arsenal injury crisis last season. Now, with a much deeper team, he thinks that competition for places is to conduct standards to new heights.

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“Last season was very difficult with the amount of injuries we suffered,” he said. “This season, we have a massive team with a lot of options in each position. Everyone is growing, and that makes the higher level. This is what we want as a team, I hope that we can gain great things together by pushing ourselves.”

One of these new faces is Martin Zubimendi, who quickly settled in the midfield. “Very good player, very nice kid. I am really happy to have it here. He had a massive impact from the start, and I hope that we will continue to see this version of him.”

The city can stutter, but Merino’s warning is clear: Arsenal will need each ounce of their quality and their conviviality to keep their rivals at a distance.