Makeshift striker Merino bags brace as Arsenal beat Leicester

Midfielder Mikel Merino scored two late goals to keep Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes alive with a 2-0 victory at Leicester City on Saturday, after the Spaniard was thrust into a makeshift centre-forward role by his club’s injury crisis up front.

Arsenal move to 53 points from their 25 matches, four behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more, while Leicester remain in the relegation zone with 17 points from their 25 fixtures this season.

Substitute Merino rose to head in teenager Ethan Nwaneri’s cross from the right in the 81st minute, before tapping home unmarked at the back post when Leandro Trossard’s inviting ball picked him out six minutes later.

Nwaneri also hit the post in the second half but it was an Arsenal display that lacked intensity for much of the contest until Merino’s late show, which will bring relief for manager Mikel Arteta as they look to stay in touch with Liverpool.