Arsenal is exploding thanks to Arteta's brilliant decision

Cesc Fabregas commends Mikel Arteta for the daring move that has elevated Arsenal in both the Premier League and Champions League, confirming the club’s position among Europe’s top teams.

Arsenal is experiencing a breakthrough season under Mikel Arteta’s leadership as they lead the Premier League by 6 points and continue to impress in the Champions League. Their recent 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague not only marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet but also strengthened the belief that North London’s side is truly reclaiming its status as a European powerhouse.

After years without trophies, Arsenal is now thriving on all fronts, including the Carabao Cup, where they have advanced to the quarterfinals against Crystal Palace on December 23. This success is no accident but the result of a series of innovative tactical decisions by Arteta, who is steadily proving himself as a world-class coach. His boldness is most evident in deploying midfielder Mikel Merino as a striker.

When Viktor Gyokeres suffered a muscle injury and Kai Havertz was not ready to return, Arteta surprised many by pushing Merino to the front line. This strategy, first tested in February 2025, has exceeded expectations. The Spanish midfielder has scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists in 17 matches playing as the top forward, playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s consistent form in the Champions League.

Merino’s outstanding display with a brace in the win over Slavia Prague earned high praise for Arteta from former midfielder Cesc Fabregas. “That was a fantastic move by Mikel. He pushed Merino up front and he did very well. Arsenal right now is truly an excellent team. Hopefully, they will have a successful year,” Fabregas commented. This praise once again confirms the accuracy of the Spanish coach’s tactical thinking.

In 2025, Mikel Merino has contributed directly to 25 goals for Arsenal, becoming the team’s leading scorer. Few would have expected a midfielder to carry such an effective goal-scoring role. With Gyokeres and Havertz still injured, Arteta can fully rely on Merino. Will this bold decision help Arsenal finish the season with a major trophy after years of waiting?

Related articles

‘Arsenal has the most complete star in the world’ Legend Gary Lineker believes Arsenal possesses one of the best players on the planet, as David Raya delivers outstanding performances and becomes the new pride of the Emirates Stadium. See more