Merino Emerges as Arsenal Main Striker
UK outlet The Telegraph reports that Mikel Merino has now become Arsenal’s top option at the striker role.
Despite the returns of Victor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus, manager Mikel Arteta continues to trust Merino as the team’s centre forward.
This development has also caught attention among bettors on 12BET Malaysia, where Arsenal’s attacking odds shifted significantly. For updated numbers, simply login 12BET.
Instant Impact on Return to Premier League Action
In the Premier League win over Brentford, both Victor Gyokeres and Jesus were fit but benched.
Arteta once again deployed Merino as a false nine, and the Spaniard delivered instantly—
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11th minute: powerful header to open the scoring
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Injury time: perfect through ball assisting Saka to seal the match
One goal and one assist right after kickoff cemented his status as the match’s best performer, earning massive praise across 12BET MALAYSIA communities.
Six Matches Seven Goal Contributions
Merino was first pushed up front when Victor Gyokeres suffered an injury in Matchweek 10.
Since then, across 4 Premier League and 2 Champions League games, he has produced:
4 goals + 3 assists = 7 goal involvements
Meanwhile, Victor Gyokeres—despite starting 13 times in 16 games—has only managed 6 goals this season.
Based on efficiency metrics and 12BET Malaysia’s advanced data panels, Merino is currently outperforming every Arsenal forward. Fans tracking form charts can check more by login 12BET.
TA Questions Whether He Should Still Be Called Emergency
The Athletic raised a sharp question:
“At what point does Merino stop being an emergency striker and simply become a striker?”
In midfield, Merino was solid but not spectacular.
But as a forward, everything changed—he brings a unique mix of:
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1.89m height
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Strong hold up play
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Midfielder’s passing vision
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Ability to link play and create lanes
His presence improves the rhythm of Arsenal’s entire attack, something frequently highlighted on 12BET MALAYSIA tactical breakdowns.
A Forward Who Enables the Entire Attack
Unlike Havertz’s mobility or Victor Gyokeres’ explosiveness, Merino offers a hybrid profile.
He can:
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Score with headers or late runs
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Shield defenders using strong physique
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Drop deeper to deliver precise passes
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Create space for Saka, Martinelli, and Ødegaard
His all round contribution makes Arsenal’s attack smoother and more unpredictable.
This multidimensional impact is why his striker odds on 12BET Malaysia have risen rapidly.
Arteta Praises His Intelligence and Mentality
Arteta praised Merino, saying he “knows everything on the pitch” and improves the team through his intelligence, commitment, and willingness to learn.
Last season, Merino had already shown promise when tested as a striker.
Although new signings pushed him to the bench this year, Victor Gyokeres’ injury reopened the door.
Merino seized the chance ruthlessly—6 matches, 7 goal contributions—making it impossible for Arteta to demote him.
For now, Victor Gyokeres can only wait on the bench, while Merino continues to rise in both Premier League form charts and 12BET MALAYSIA player ratings.
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