Mikel Merino quietly takes on Arsenal role no one else wants

Mikel Merino scored once again for Arsenal as he helped his side to a 2-0 victory over London rivals Brentford and in doing so, he showed he has quietly taken on a role for the team that no one else really wants.

The midfielder continued his superb form as the Gunners' makeshift striker, netting his 10th Premier League goal for the north London outfit and his fifth goal in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.

It feels like this is said so often, but no one expected Merino to have this much of an impact up front for Arsenal and he really has taken on the role of the target man that Mikel Arteta's side needed.

Mikel Merino is Arsenal's target man

While Merino does come up with the goals for the Gunners when playing up front, his form in front of goal isn't all that makes him a brilliant option to lead the attack.

Primarily operating as a false nine, or at least doing so in his last few appearances, the Spain international has demonstrated all the right characteristics of such a player with his constant running, dropping back and all-round commitment.

He never seems to forget his natural position when he leads the line as he always drops back to help out in midfield and assist his team in launching attacking moves, often receiving the ball and kickstarting passages of play.

This versatility also sees him frequently win back possession with his outstanding work rate always on show in both attack, midfield and defence.

The summer addition of Viktor Gyökeres presented Arsenal with a much needed deadly attacking force in attack, but the Swede doesn't offer everything Merino does, making his Spanish counterpart a real target man for their side.

Since joining the club ahead of the 2024/25 season, Merino has looked so impressive in both midfield and attack. Many turned their heads at the idea of Arteta throwing his namesake up top, but it is safe to say that decision has paid off.

Not many would have expected him to have this great of an impact as the centre forward, but Merino certainly has proven himself to be the ideal target man for the Gunners with his constant fight all over the pitch.

However, with Gyökeres gradually returning to full fitness, he does now face a challenge to keep his spot in the lineup. He kept the Sweden international at bay to start against Brentford, but it won't be long before he starts knocking on the door.

In his current form though, Merino is the far more solid option and no one would blame Arteta for keeping him in the side. He really is doing what not many want to do for Arsenal.