What Arsenal fans did just before Mikel Merino came on for his debut in 2-0 UEFA Champions League win vs PSG
Today at 06:45 AM
Mikel Merino finally made his Arsenal debut in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League win over PSG.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka secured three points for the Gunners after a 0-0 draw against Atalanta on matchday one, as Joao Neves hit the bar for PSG in the second half.
Merino – who suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session for Arsenal – was introduced in the 64th minute by Mikel Arteta, replacing Thomas Partey.
Fortunately, the Gunners remained unbeaten in the Premier League while the £32.6m man focused on his recovery.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 | LiverpoolLiverpool | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 10 | 15 |
| 2 | Man CityManchester City | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 14 |
| 3 | ArsenalArsenal | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 14 |
| 4 | ChelseaChelsea | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 13 |
Arsenal fans were sympathetic to Mikel Merino’s tough start to life at the Emirates Stadium, as they made sure he felt the love while he prepared to come on.
Arsenal fans serenaded Mikel Merino as he emerged from the dugout
Not only was there apparent sympathy for the Spain international, but there was also a feeling of excitement as he prepared to make his Arsenal debut.
The Emirates Stadium faithful could be heard loudly applauding as Merino waited for Partey to trudge over to the sideline, with Alex Howell of the BBC adding: “Mikel Merino is stripped and going to come on for his Arsenal debut. The supporters clap him as they see him make his way from the bench to the touchline.”
It was a nice moment for the 28-year-old, who was surely itching to play after suffering a serious shoulder injury in just his first training session at London Colney.
How Merino performed in Arsenal 2-0 PSG
The Arsenal No.23 may have only played 26 minutes against the French giants, but he gave a strong account of himself nonetheless.
As SofaScore shows, Merino – who impressed Ian Wright – completed 86% of his passes, won four ground duels and also made two clearances, as he helped the Gunners see out victory over the Parisians.
What stood out to us more than anything – however – was the 6ft 2in Spaniard’s physique, as he made Arsenal look formidable in midfield alongside another giant in Declan Rice, who Gary Neville said is more important than Martin Odegaard.
Merino looks to be an imposing midfielder who can also control games with his technical ability, which should make Arsenal incredibly hard to beat when it comes to midfield battles this season.
Hopefully, the man from Pamplona avoids any setbacks with his shoulder, after an encouraging debut.
