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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has picked two Arsenal players in his Premier League Team of the Week.
The Gunners continued their unbeaten run in the top-flight with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on the road.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create many chances in the game, but eventually broke the deadlock through Mikel Merino.
Merino came on as a makeshift striker to replace Raheem Sterling and made the difference with a seven-minute brace.
Ethan Nwaneri, who was the man of the match, delivered a peach of a cross for Merino to head home in the 81st minute.
Shearer said that Nwaneri was the Gunners’ standout player and was so unlucky not to score, having hit the woodwork twice.
He said on Nwaneri: “Arsenal’s standout player against Leicester City. Was so unlucky not to score, hitting the woodwork twice, but he kept on going and delivered a terrific cross for Mikel Merino’s first goal.”
Merino had two set-piece goals prior to the Foxes game, but no one would have predicted him to lead the line for Arsenal.
The Spaniard made use of his strong aerial presence to open the scoring before a neat finish at the near post for his second goal.
Shearer was certainly impressed by the Euro 2024 winner and picked him as the main striker in a very attack-minded team.
He added on Merino: “What an impact from the Spaniard playing out of position as a striker. He had to be included in my team after scoring two huge goals off the bench.”
Arsenal remain seven points behind leaders Liverpool after the hard-fought triumph in the Midlands.
The Gunners host West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in their next league match on Saturday.
Prior to that, Liverpool play an extra game against Aston Villa on the road on Wednesday night.
The fans will hope the Villans can get something out of the midweek encounter at Villa Park.
