Mikel Merino Dedicates Arsenal Brace to Wife After Valentine’s Day Oversight

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino made amends for forgetting Valentine’s Day by scoring twice as a makeshift striker in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Leicester City. The Spaniard came off the bench to net a brace and secure three crucial points in Arsenal’s Premier League title chase.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Merino sheepishly admitted: “I forgot to get my wife a Valentine’s gift, so I think she’ll appreciate these two goals more than flowers or chocolates.” He added that it was his first time playing as a forward, revealing manager Arne Slot only informed him of the tactical switch on the morning of the game.

The 28-year-old’s impromptu striking performance impressed, though 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was named man of the match for his creative display. Merino praised his young teammate, saying: “He’s an amazing talent with a wonderful left foot. He put the ball right on my head for the first goal.”

Arsenal’s win cuts Liverpool’s lead at the top to four points, with the Reds set to face Wolves on Sunday. Merino will be hoping his goalscoring heroics are enough to get him out of the doghouse at home after his Valentine’s Day blunder.