Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel react as Merino sends ‘rocking’ Arsenal message
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has sent a message to supporters following his side’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, prompting a response from several of his teammates.
The Gunners welcomed the reigning European champions to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the first leg of their quarter final tie.
Mikel Arteta’s side then put on an outstanding showing to beat Madrid 3-0, giving them a huge advantage ahead of the second.
Two stunning free kicks from Declan Rice will grab the headlines for Arsenal, although Merino also played his part in that win.
Mikel Merino reacts to win over Real Madrid
After Rice‘s double had put the Gunners 2-0 up on the night, Merino then struck with an excellent finish of his own to further extend his side’s lead with quarter of an hour remaining.
That extra-goal advantage could prove vital when Arsenal travel to the Bernabeu for the second leg of this tie a week on Wednesday (16 April).
Indeed, Merino has been keen to stress that the Gunners’ place in the final four of the competition is still far from secure at this point.
| Mikel Merino vs Real Madrid | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 3 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Accurate Passes | 13/18 |
| Duels Won | 3/7 |
Taking to Instagram to reflect on that first leg victory for his side, the Spaniard wrote: “N5 was rocking tonight!! Magic Champions League night at The Emirates. Job’s not finished. We keep going!”
In response, a number of the 28-year-old’s teammates were keen to show their support by liking that post.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kieran Tierney and Gabriel, who has been ruled out for Arsenal by injury for the rest of the season, were all among those to do so.
Arsenal can be proud of their makeshift centre-forward
Football Insider Verdict
There can be no doubting that Arsenal do need to sign a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window.
In the meantime though, Merino can hold his head up high for the efforts he has produced while stepping into that role.
The Spaniard has come up with a number of vital goals for the club in that position, which have helped Arsenal to some important results.
His strike against Real Madrid here also showed just how good a finisher he can be, highlighting the asset he can be for Mikel Arteta‘s side, given they know they he can be useful back-up in this role in the future.
With some useful performances in his natural midfield role as well, this can be considered a decent first season with the club for Merino, which could yet get even better if they go on to win silverware.