Mikel Arteta looks to have found the solution to his striker problems with makeshift centre forward Mikel Merino after his two match-winning goals against Leicester.

Coming into this match all the talk was about how Arsenal would play without a recognised striker after Kai Havertz's hamstring injury.

Arteta named a front three of Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri, a much different set up without the focal point of Havertz.

Arsenal struggled to create much in the first half but looked lively whenever Nwaneri got the ball and he came close twice when he clipped the bar and smashed a shot against the post in the second period.

It was another tough game for Raheem Sterling who was replaced after 69 minutes. He didn't beat his opposing full back and Nwaneri's ability to take on his man highlighted Sterling's inability to do so.

Nwaneri has had an excellent breakthrough season and not only has he taken on the mantle of being Saka's replacement on the right hand side but he has now become a key creative player, arguably the Gunners best, during Arsenal's striker crisis.

The 17-year-old also created the key moment in the match with an excellent cross for Merino's opener.

Mikel Merino, a player brought in for his excellence in winning duels, showcased his ability in the air for his first goal and his stature gives Arsenal's players something to aim for in the penalty area, which is something they lacked in the early part of the game.

It may be too simple to say that he is the answer for Arsenal but it looks a very good fit at the moment.