Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side cruise to an impressive win over PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with the Gunners boss also able to hand out a debut during the game
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Mikel Merino after the summer signing enjoyed an impressive Arsenal debut against PSG.
The Gunners claimed a statement 2-0 win over the French champions in their second Champions League game of the season. First-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka earned the hosts all three points.
The hosts’ control of the scoreline and the game allowed Arteta to bring Merino on with 20 minutes to go. It was the Spaniard’s first appearance for his new club since arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer.
Just before the start of the campaign, Merino suffered a freak accident in training which left him with a serious shoulder injury. He was only able to return to training on Monday, but has quickly impressed Arteta.
The 28-year-old delivered an eye-catching display as he helped to fend off the threat of a PSG comeback. Merino showed glimpses of the steeliness and combative style that convinced Arsenal to make a move.
Arteta was particularly impressed with Merino’s ability to quickly get up to speed with the Gunners’ tactics. He said: “Really good, because he joined us and first session he got injured.”
“He had only one session with us, he was ready, he was really willing to be part of this today and obviously with the injuries and changes we had to make, we believe that he was the player that could help us in that phase. I think he’s done really well.”
Merino came on with 20 minutes to go to make his debut for the Gunners
Arteta was pleased with the way his side controlled the game after taking the lead. It was the Gunners’ first win in Europe this season and their manager is keen to repeat Tuesday’s blueprint.
“We had three big chances to score the third one, and probably that would’ve killed the game, it didn’t. Credit to them as well, the changes they made, the adaptation that they made, they forced us to play again in a different area of the pitch,” he said.
“I think it raises the confidence and belief that we can compete with any team at that level in European competitions, with the style of games that are very different to the Premier League. I think we showed a lot of maturity in the way we played.
“We put our stamp on the way that we want to behave in Europe against top teams and I really like that. The result as well at half-time was similar to a few days ago and then what happened and managing that emotionally and staying in the game in the way that we had to do.
“I was really impressed and happy with that, even though there were still, especially in the second half, things that we can do much better. First of all it’s about believing you can face those incredible teams and have a really good chance to beat them, and you are good enough to beat them. I think it’s going to be really helpful.”
