Soccer-Arteta sees striker instinct in match-winner Merino

Soccer Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Arsenal - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - February 15, 2025 Arsenal's Mikel Merino celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Chris Radburn

LEICESTER, England (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised match-winner Mikel Merino for his ability to sense danger in the opponent's box after the midfielder's two late goals as a makeshift striker against Leicester City earned a precious 2-0 win on Saturday.

The victory moves Arsenal to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, though they have played a game more.