Wright stunned by Arsenal ace
The superlative for Mikel Merino continue with Ian Wright the latest to sing him praises.
He told the Wrighty’s House podcast: “Yes, this is the best, one of the best finishes you’ll ever see how in the box from a player that’s supposedly not a centre forward,” said Wright.
“Everything what he’d done about that goal was extreme quality.
“The thing with it is that, once it came into him and again, what you have to appreciate is the weight of the pass into him by Miles Lewis-Skelly is perfect.
“Obviously Merino’s coming backwards knowing that the ball’s coming with the right amount of pace. The goalkeeper has to because the ball’s coming across. He has to go into the middle of his goal.
“So to catch it going backwards so cleanly and putting it back where it’s come from into the side netting with a goalkeeper the size of Courtois, honestly…
“This is why I was so pleased (Alan) Shearer was on last night because Shearer was saying that is an unbelievable finish.
“You know, it’s an unbelievable finish. The way he executed that, it was so good.”
Even better than Rice
Thierry Henry was in awe of Bukayo Saka’s display against Real Madrid so soon after his injury return.
He told CBS Sports: “Declan Rice came big on the two free-kicks but ultimately, for me, as I said, Bukayo Saka created everything, the two fouls were on him.
“Every time, taking the ball, running past one to two to three to four players to go inside and get the free-kicks.
“To come back in the time he has is unbelievable, he’s unreal.”
“He’s a top guy, we need to be ready next week because the Bernabeu, we know what it’s like to play there, he [Mikel Merino] can obviously tell you what it’s like.”
Anne Hathaway shows true colours
Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway shared a rendition of North London Forever after her beloved Arsenal thrashed Real Madrid.
Star’s dad always had belief
Goal hero Mikel Merino’s father Angel Miguel believes his son was always capable of producing the finish which saw him score Arsenal’s third goal against Real Madrid.
Merino Sr told El Larguero: “He had it in him, it was a matter of bringing it out and putting him in that position.
“It’s not where he feels most comfortable because he likes to touch the ball more often, but when he has to finish, he’s always been a player who can score. He’s a good finisher and he’s proving it.”
Merson sings praises of Arsenal star
Former Gunners ace Paul Merson was full of praise for unsung hero Mikel Merino.
“I couldn’t call this game,” Merson said on Soccer Special.
“It’s probably the greatest night at the Emirates, it has to be. These are the champions of Europe and Arsenal destroyed them.
“Three phenomenal goals. I didn’t think people could bend balls like that!
“Two phenomenal free-kicks and Merino; if Erling Haaland, Harry Kane or Kylian Mbappe scored that, we’d be talking about it for years.
“I would say the greatest night at the Emirates. They have to get through the first 20 minutes at the Bernabeu now, if they score early, you never know.
“It’s Real Madrid. The first 20 minutes will be important, that place will be rocking.”
Arsenal in talks over contracts
Fabrizio Romano has stated that talks are underway over new contracts for Arsenal duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The two rising Arsenal stars have enjoyed breakout seasons and Arsenal are keen to tie them down long-term.
Romano tweeted: “New contract proposals ready and talks underway since February for both Ethan Nwaneri & Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal are working on it.”
