Merino credits Arsenal team-mates for goalscoring record

Mikel Merino was quick to give credit to his Arsenal team-mates as the midfielder once again delivered in the number nine role.

The Gunners were without Viktor Gyokeres for their Champions League clash against Slavia Prague, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were already sidelined with knee injuries.

In the absence of a recognised striker, Merino stepped up to the plate once again and scored twice in their 3-0 win.

The Gunners face Sunderland in their last match before the international break, and Merino is set to lead the line again at the Stadium of Light.

The Spaniard believes his adapted role in the squad is made easier by the attacking quality of his fellow Gunners.

“Credit to my team-mates,” Merino told TNT Sports after their Champions League win.

“Obviously, this is a team sport and I’m just trying to fill the role of the number nine even though I’m not a classic number nine, or not born as a number nine.

“I’m really happy to be helping the team with goals, but also with my hard work, my running, my tracking. And with the quality we have in the squad they pass the ball at the right time in the right spot and I’m always there.

“Tactics-wise, I knew what the number nine role was. Watching even meeting with Mikel [Arteta] makes it clear what everyone’s role is. I learnt a lot last season and I think I’m exploiting it a lot this season.”

Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Everton on Monday saw them move back into the top four of the Premier League.

The Black Cats are seven points behind the Gunners, and could rise to second as Manchester City and Liverpool, the two teams between them and Arsenal, also go head-to-head on matchday 11.

Regis Le Bris was critical of his side’s start against Everton, but believes they can overcome any scenario with the help of their fans.

“It is a good point in the end. We didn’t start well, and they were better than us for the first 30–35 minutes,” said Le Bris.

“We will face different scenarios this season. Sometimes you don’t know why, but you can switch it. We are still connected with our ideas, and that was how we got back into this game.

“With our fans, when we can generate positive actions, we feel their intensity. It wasn’t enough for the second goal, but I hope it will be the case next time.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sunderland – Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka made 225 Premier League appearances for Arsenal between 2016 and 2023, with 113 of those coming under current Gunners boss Arteta.

Having netted his first goal for Sunderland last time out against Everton, Xhaka will be looking to score in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March-April 2023.

Arsenal – Declan Rice

With Gyokeres potentially sidelined again for Arsenal, Declan Rice’s set-piece deliveries could prove to be even more vital.

He has also scored or assisted in three of his last four matches (one goal, two assists), providing the pass for Merino’s second goal against Prague.

MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal have won their last five Premier League matches, last winning more in a row between April and August 2024 (eight wins).

Their last four wins have all come without conceding – the Gunners last won five in a row with a clean sheet each time in September/October 1987 under George Graham.

They have also scored eight league goals from corners this season – the most ever by a side in their first 10 games of a season. Since 2022-23, the Gunners have scored 51 goals from corners in the competition, 14 more than anyone else (Spurs, 37).

However, all three of Arsenal’s Premier League defeats against Sunderland have come away from home, and all by a 1-0 scoreline (January 1997, August 2000, November 2009).

Sunderland’s 18 points are the most a newly promoted side has won 10 games into a Premier League season since Hull City in 2008-09 (20).

The Black Cats remain unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this season (P5 W3 D2), last enjoying a longer run without defeat on home soil in the top-flight between August and December 2010 under Steve Bruce (nine).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Sunderland – 13.8%

Draw – 17.0%

Arsenal – 69.2%