“We could have thrashed them but they have the best player in the world…This guy showed us what we’ve not seen in football history”: Leicester City coach Ruud van Nistelrooy named ONE Arsenal player who showed what is never seen in football history yesterday

Arsenal secured three much-needed points against Leicester City in the Premier League as they began their new era without a striker.

It’s now well known that Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the rest of the season, an incredibly difficult scenario.

But after replacing Raheem Sterling in the second half against Leicester, Mikel Merino provided a big reason to be positive for the Gunners.

Merino has fostered a remarkable non-penalty xG record as a number eight this season and he looked very comfortable as a striker once he was introduced.

That being said, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester side were very close to seeing through what would have been an important draw for their efforts to avoid relegation.

Ruud van Nistelrooy refuses to call Arsenal ‘lucky’ despite praising Leicester

Speaking after full-time, Van Nistelrooy, who was well accustomed to thwarting Arsenal as a player, perhaps felt as if his side were worth a draw.

However, the Leicester manager did praise Mikel Arteta’s team for two reasons in particular after their win.

Van Nistelrooy said: “Very spirited, in the game for a long time, a late goal conceded. I felt we were in the game.

“It felt, could go both ways, although Arsenal was obviously a touch better in the sense of possession and created a bit more than us.

“We created our moments in the first half, twice with Wilfred [Ndidi], he was close with a header and a volley.”

In his press conference, Van Nistelrooy was then asked if he thought Arsenal got ‘lucky’, something he refused to agree with.

He replied: “No I’m not saying they are lucky, you have to give credit to Arsenal as well, but I think the way we, for 81 minutes we were in the game and defending and on the ball we did what we could as well.

“I think yeah, we were in there for a draw and if you can get a goal yourself or 0-0 – which was there.

“Arsenal had more chances that was clear and more possession as well, but I think we were right in there for a result.”

Mikel Merino channeled his inner Ruud van Nistelrooy

Of course, Van Nistelrooy was probably quietly impressed by Merino’s efforts as a nine himself, especially for how he finished his second goal.

The Spaniard made it look easy at the far post, getting over the ball to pop it past Mads Hermanssen.

William Saliba was wowed by Merino, who will actually be under a bit of pressure to replicate his performance against West Ham United next weekend.

Merino now seems very likely to start ahead of Sterling who failed to take his chance away at Leicester, despite his best efforts.

Either way, a very positive away trip for Arsenal, even if Leicester were close to stealing a result themselves.