Premier League3 hours ago2 minute read

Mikel Merino Explains How Arsenal Found Title Belief

Mikel Merino revealed that a private team meeting after dropping points against Wolves was the moment Arsenal knew they would win the title.

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A Frank Talk Behind Closed Doors

Arsenal had just thrown away a 2-0 lead against Wolves in mid February. It was the second time in three matches they dropped points. With an away game against Tottenham up next, their push for the trophy appeared on the brink of collapse.

Instead of falling apart, the players called their own meeting the next day. Manager Mikel Arteta was not in the room. Mikel Merino, who was out injured at the time, said the squad focused on how human beings deal with adversity rather than talking about tactics. Merino explained that players needed to take charge on their own because one manager cannot handle everything. That honest talk gave the group the belief they needed. Even after later losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City, the squad stayed united and laughed off online criticism.

Injury Battles and World Cup Success

Arsenal ended their 22 year wait for the league title, finishing seven points ahead of Manchester City after three straight seasons of finishing second. Merino credited Arteta for building a family culture that kept everyone focused during the run in.

Merino played just 22 league games during the campaign because of injuries. Still, he scored four big goals, including a winner against Newcastle and an equaliser against Chelsea, alongside goals against Brentford and Manchester United. His return came on the final day against Crystal Palace, where he came off the bench for thirty minutes to prove his fitness to Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. Merino admitted he felt rusty and exhausted, but the effort paid off. He made the World Cup squad and scored winning goals in the round of 16 and the quarter final as Spain won the tournament.

What it means for the next game

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (Premier League, Sun, 18 Oct): Nottingham Forest win 19%, draw 27%, Arsenal win 54%; expected goals 0.81 to 1.57. Our safest pick: Arsenal or Draw.

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal (Champions League, Wed, 21 Oct): Bayern Munich win 48%, draw 24%, Arsenal win 28%; expected goals 1.87 to 1.38. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.