Leicester City 0-2 Arsenal - 3 takeaways as Merino magic seals crucial win

Arsenal claimed a crucial 2-0 win over Leicester City thanks to a late brace from Mikel Merino.

Arsenal has kept pace with Liverpool after a 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium with second-half substitute Mikel Merino the lifesaver with a quick double to hand the Gunners all three points.

In the first game that we saw what the Gunners frontline looked like without Kai Havertz, there should be grave concerns for Arsenal going forward.

Raheem Sterling was anonymous, and we aren't sure how he lasted so long. Leandro Trossard, while providing the cross for Merino's second goal, didn't offer much either.

Ethan Nwaneri was the lone bright spot, and he was Arsenal's attack for most of the contest, which in itself is an inditement on the squad. But alas, the right result was managed and while it doesn't inspire confidence going forward, Arsenal managed to put some form of pressure on Liverpool, closing the gap to just four points.

Here are three takeaways from the win over Leicester.

Nwaneri again proves to be the Gunners' spark

Given the talent and age profile of the Arsenal side, to have young Nwaneri not only outshine them, but also out hustle them isn't a good look.

When the rest of his teammates were going through the motions, Nwaneri seemed to be the only one up for the fight. He hit the crossbar twice and then, in the second half, provided a delicious cross for Merino to head home to give the Gunners the lead.

If Arsenal are to make something of this title race, Nwaneri needs help and against Leicester, it was him or bust.

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