“We will need him and that energy” - Ian Wright's honest assessment on Arsenal's Mikel Merino after debut in UEFA Champions League win over PSG
Arsenal legend aIan Wright was delighted with Mikel Merino's debut for the club in the Gunner's 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on October 1. The Euro 2024 winner was on the pitch for 26 minutes and was impressive for the north London side, making 16 touches and completing six touches.
The Spaniard had been laid low by injury following his €32 million move from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad. However, he gave a fine introduction of himself to the Emirates stadium in a solid win, making three recoveries, two tackles, and two clearances during his cameo.
Speaking on the Wrighty's House Podcast after the match, the Gunners legend hailed Merino's debut, saying:
“It was great to see him, delighted to see him come on. Do you know what? He just looked very ready. He did make a good sliding tackle. What was good to see is that he’s not kicked a ball for us and the fans were so happy to see him. We will need him and that energy, when him and Declan were in that midfield its just looked strong, physical and quick, we just looked like we had legs in there.”
Arsenal face Southampton this weekend in the Premier League at the Emirates and Mikel Arteta will be pleased with Mikel Merino's impact in the UEFA Champions League against PSG. The Spaniard will hope he did enough to convince his compatriot to let him make his first start for his new club.
Arsenal legend pleased with Bukayo Saka's comments after UEFA Champions League win over PSG
Arsenal legend Theirry Henry was impressed by Bukayo Saka's comments following the Gunner's 2-0 win over PSG in the UEFA Champions League. The English winger was captaining the north London side for the game and was stoic and reasonable about the team's prospects for the season when questioned.
At the final whistle, the Hale End Academy graduate took questions from the club's all-time highest goalscorer on CBS about the team's chances of winning the Premier League following another strong display.
Saka said via The Boot room:
“I don’t wanna put too much pressure on us, but I do think this is the year. We’ve been close the last two years, we’re getting closer. I hope this will be the year.”
His response impressed the French World Cup winner, who replied:
“Strong captain, I like that.”
Arsenal's focus has shifted back to their Premier League title race with Manchester City. The title hopefuls have come close to topping the reigning champions in the last two seasons and the third time is the charm as they hope to end their two-decade wait for league glory.
Mikel Arteta's men will follow up their UEFA Champions League home win over PSG with another home game against Southampton as they hope to secure four wins on the bounce in all competitions.