Arsenal fell off the summit of the Premier League following a defeat to Brighton before the international break
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been sent a timely reminder ahead of the return of the Premier League.(Image: (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images))
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been sent another timely reminder that he has good striking options at his disposal.
The Gunners were dealt a blow when Kai Havertz went down with an injury in Germany’s draw with the Netherlands in the Nations League.
The 27-year-old has been Arteta’s preferred choice to lead the line for Arsenal in the early part of the season, but that setback means some of his Gunners’ teammates look set for an opportunity.
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Mikel Merino scored for Spain against Czechia in the latest statement of intent for his manager, just a few days after Viktor Gyokeres broke a UEFA record.
Both men have had to wait for their opportunities this season, but the injury to Havertz, if he isn’t fit to face Leeds United, could hand them a chance to impress.
Merino came off the bench to score Spain’s third goal of the evening in their 3-1 win over Czechia. Tempers flared late on as Stepan Chaloupek wiped out Roberto Fernandez with a dangerous tackle, but play was allowed to continue.
Victor Munoz forced Antonin Kinsky into a save, but the rebound fell to Merino who fired into the back of the net.
Mikel Merino scored for Spain in their 3-1 win over Czechia. (Image: (Photo by Ibai Tudanca/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))
Fellow Arsenal star Gyokeres also scored while on international duty for Sweden, breaking the deadlock in their 1-1 draw with Bosnia.
The Arsenal forward scored on the hour mark before Kerim Alajbegovic levelled for Bosnia, with the Nations League Group B4 encounter ending all square.
The goal from Gyokeres means he has now netted in both of Sweden’s matches during the international break, having also got on the scoresheet in victories over Romania and Poland.
Gyokeres’ strike against Bosnia saw him etch his name into the record books, becoming the first player ever to score in six successive Nations League appearances.
The Gunners talisman had previously bagged four goals against Azerbaijan back in November 2024, and had also scored in the two preceding matches against Estonia and Slovakia.
Gyokeres will have the chance to extend his remarkable record when Sweden face Romania on Monday evening in Bucharest.