Soccer
Jurrien Timber praises Arsenal teammate Mikel Merino for 'amazing job' in Leicester win
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Mikel Merino played the role of hero for Arsenal on Saturday, scoring both of his side's goals in a 2-0 victory at Leicester City.
Due to the current injury woes that have taken hold among Arsenal's attackers, Merino was used in an unfamiliar role on Saturday as the midfielder replaced Raheem Sterling on the Gunners' front line with just over 20 minutes remaining and the match still scoreless. The Spaniard paid back manager Mikel Arteta's gamble in spades as he struck in the 81st and 87th minutes to secure the victory for the North London club, and Merino's efforts did not go unnoticed by his teammates.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the final whistle, full-back Jurrien Timber was full of praise for the 28-year-old, whom he credited for changing the match in Arsenal's favour.
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"I think Mikel did an amazing job," Timber said. "It's not easy being a midfielder and coming in and playing like a striker.
"We didn't [train with Merino in an attacking role] but I think he has exceptional qualities and he showed it again today.
"The first half we didn't go to our level and we created a couple of chances that didn't go in in the second half. We know it's a tough away game before coming here but a 2-0 win is well deserved."
Timber noted that Arsenal cannot afford to drop many points as they continue to pursue Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, making Merino's heroics even more important to the club.
"You know how tight it is and you know how good the opposition is," he said. "We need three points next week and the week after that. The reality is that we are chasing them and we need to win our games."
