Arsenal show title credentials again
Leicester City 0 - 2 Arsenal
Arsenal moved to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool after substitute Mikel Merino struck twice late on to secure victory over a battling Leicester City.
With the Gunners struggling for cutting edge up front, it looked as though their lack of firepower—exacerbated by Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury during their Dubai training camp—might cost them. Raheem Sterling, enduring a torrid evening, was withdrawn, and Merino made an immediate impact, arriving at the far post in the 81st minute to finally break Leicester’s resistance.
The goal was crafted by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s standout performer, who had twice been denied by the woodwork in the second half and was their most dangerous outlet throughout.
Merino struck again three minutes from time, once more ghosting in at the far post to seal a crucial win and keep Arsenal firmly in the title race.
Leicester, to their credit, had matched Arsenal for long spells and might have taken the lead themselves, only for Myles Lewis-Skelly to make a crucial intervention just as Bobby de Cordova-Reid looked poised to turn in Jordan Ayew’s cross.
Arsenal’s celebrations were tinged with relief. For much of the contest, it seemed their striker shortage would prove costly—but in Merino, they found an unlikely match-winner.
Leicester v Arsenal Highlights from TNT Sports More reaction to come from eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com youtu.be/h5qQSa0pW7Y?...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 15 February 2025 at 21:02
[image or embed]
How far can Arsenal push Liverpool for the title?
Arteta's side were once again made to dig deep on the road, just as they had at Wolves, before finally breaking down a resolute Leicester City side.
For much of the evening, their title challenge hung in the balance, with a blunt attacking display only intensifying scrutiny over Mikel Arteta’s decision not to sign a striker in January. As the clock ticked into the final 10 minutes, a frustrating goalless draw seemed inevitable—until Mikel Merino stepped up.
The Spanish midfielder proved an unlikely hero, first powering in a header before sealing the win with a composed finish just as Leicester sensed a hard-earned point.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
If Merino provided the cutting edge, it was Ethan Nwaneri who lit up Arsenal’s performance. The England Under-19 international was electric, tormenting Leicester’s defence with his pace and skill, and twice striking the woodwork.
His influence was in stark contrast to Raheem Sterling, who endured a miserable afternoon where little went right. Arteta had seen enough and sent on Merino—a decision that paid off handsomely.
Arsenal now sit four points behind leaders Liverpool, though they have played a game more. Still, as the game drifted towards disappointment, they would have gladly taken this position before Merino’s late heroics.
Leicester didn't advantage of a positive 80 minutes
Tommo, a Leicester fan who was at the match, told us: "I thought the players did really well for 80 minutes and probably deserved a draw. However, some of those players switched off near the end and that's what cost us. We have to do better in these types of situations."
