Arsenal: Arteta hails ‘phenomenal’ Merino

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta labelled stand-in striker Mikel Merino as ‘phenomenal’ after his latest header put the Gunners on track for a 2-0 win at home to Brentford.

With most of Arteta’s forwards out of action in recent weeks the Spanish midfielder has been asked to lead the line.

And he has done it brilliantly, with his fine header from Ben White’s cross his ninth Premier League goal of the calendar year.

No other Arsenal player can match that tally, while since the start of last season, no Premier League player has scored more headed goals in all competitions than Merino’s eight.

Arteta told Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable what he has done again today, not only the goal because the goal is magnificent.

“But the movement, the quality, the finish, how he times it…and then his work-rate. It’s phenomenal.

“One-nil is never enough against Brentford but I thought we dominated the game and created the biggest chances.

“Overall I am very happy.”

Arteta is without first-choice defenders William Saliba and Gabriel and saw Cristhian Mosquera have to be replaced early on, while Declan Rice limped off late in the game.

Arteta said: “We’ll know more tomorrow. They need to be tested. Declan had to come off – let’s see who is available.”

The Gunners next play Aston Villa in the early game on Saturday where a win would see them go eight poinst clear.