Arsenal moved within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool as Mikel Merino struck twice late to seal a 2-0 win over Leicester City.
The Gunners struggled to break down Leicester’s defence and lacked cutting edge in attack, with Raheem Sterling failing to make an impact before being replaced.
It was substitute Merino who provided the breakthrough in the 81st minute, arriving at the far post to convert a cross from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s most dangerous player throughout.
Nwaneri had earlier struck the woodwork twice, but his persistence paid off when his delivery set up Merino’s opener.
The Spanish midfielder then doubled Arsenal’s lead three minutes from time, once again finishing at the back post to secure a vital victory.
Leicester, battling relegation, fought hard and nearly took the lead when Myles Lewis-Skelly made a crucial touch to prevent Bobby de Cordova-Reid from finishing Jordan Ayew’s cross.
However, their resistance was undone late as Arsenal’s quality showed.
With Kai Havertz sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai, concerns over their attacking options grew.
However, Merino’s late intervention ensured the Gunners kept pace in the title race.
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