A late brace from substitute Mikel Merino powered Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, extending their unbeaten Premier League run to 15 matches and keeping them within striking distance of league leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta faced a major selection dilemma after losing Kai Havertz to a season-ending hamstring injury, adding to an already lengthy injury list that includes Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
With attacking options limited, the Arsenal boss turned to Leandro Trossard as a makeshift striker, flanked by Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
The first half was a cagey affair, with Arsenal struggling to create clear-cut chances. Declan Rice sent a header wide, while Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi forced David Raya into a routine save before heading off target with the best opportunity of the opening period.
After halftime, the game gained momentum, with Nwaneri emerging as Arsenal’s brightest spark. The teenager came close to breaking the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike that clipped the crossbar before later rattling the post with another powerful effort.
At the other end, Bobby De Cordova-Reid tested Raya, but the Spaniard dealt with the shot comfortably.
It was Nwaneri who finally unlocked the Leicester defense, delivering a pinpoint cross for Merino to nod home with a composed header.
Just six minutes later, the Spanish midfielder sealed the win with a well-timed finish at the back post from Trossard’s low delivery.
With this victory, Arsenal move to within four points of Liverpool, who play Wolves on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Leicester remain in the relegation zone after suffering their fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring.
