In the earliest match of Round 25, Arsenal triumphed over Leicester City with a score of 2-0, reducing their deficit to league leaders Liverpool to just four points.

The turning point of the game at King Power Stadium occurred in the 69th minute when manager Mikel Arteta substituted in compatriot Mikel Merino for Raheem Sterling. The Euro 2024 champion was deployed as a striker, filling in for the injured Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Merino made an impact within just 10 minutes of entering the match.

In the 81st minute, following a cross from the right wing by Ethan Nwaneri, the Spanish player darted behind center-back Wout Faes and leaped high to head the ball into the near corner, opening the scoring. Just six minutes later, Merino completed his brace during a swift counterattack. After winning the ball back, Martin Odegaard advanced and passed it to substitute defender Riccardo Calafiori. The ball was then played to the left flank for Leandro Trossard, who delivered a low cross, allowing Merino to finish with a precise strike that left goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with no chance.

… and seals the 2-0 victory for Arsenal against Leicester in the Premier League on February 15, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Before celebrating their success, Arsenal faced numerous concerns, particularly with their attacking lineup missing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and recently, Kai Havertz. Consequently, Arteta had to utilize a trio of forwards consisting of Sterling, Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri, with only the 17-year-old Nwaneri standing out in the match.

In the first half, Nwaneri successfully dribbled past defenders five times—the best statistic of his Premier League career—surpassing his total from the previous six matches combined. He also completed 19 out of 21 passes, touched the ball twice in the penalty area, and created one opportunity. In the second half, he played with greater directness, continuously threatening Leicester’s goal. In the 61st minute, Nwaneri received a pass from Martin Odegaard, cut into the center, and struck the ball with his left foot, hitting the crossbar. Just 15 minutes later, he fired a right-footed shot from the right side that struck the post. Nwaneri was also the one who set up Merino’s opening goal.

Merino scores his first brace for a team in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Photo: Reuters

While Trossard didn’t have a standout performance, he still made his mark with the assist that allowed Merino to secure the win.

Sterling, however, was particularly disappointing. In 69 minutes on the pitch, the English player failed to dribble past a defender, did not complete a single accurate cross, was caught offside twice, and recorded an expected goals (xG) stat of just 0.02. It is highly likely that Arsenal will return Sterling to Chelsea in the summer of 2025, opting not to make his loan deal permanent.

Merino’s brace not only helped Arsenal close the gap with the top of the table to four points but also applied pressure on Liverpool, who are set to face Wolves at Anfield on February 16.

Arteta’s squad has two more matches in February, facing West Ham at home on February 22 and visiting Nottingham Forest on February 26. Given the multiple injuries to their forwards, they may have found renewed hope with Merino’s standout performance at King Power.