Super sub Mikel Merino’s double keep Arsenal in the title chase

Super sub Mikel Merino saved Arsenal’s blushes at lowly Leicester as the makeshift striker’s brace secured a much-needed win for the Premier League title hopefuls.

Mikel Arteta’s men headed to the King Power Stadium reeling from a season-ending injury to top scorer Kai Havertz that looked like it was about to be compounded by the embattled Foxes.

Arsenal’s new frontline failed to click but the decision to replace rusty Raheem Sterling with Merino proved inspired as the midfielder went up front and scored goals a striker would be proud of to seal a 2-0 victory.

The result cuts the gap to Liverpool to four points ahead of the Premier League leaders’ home match against Wolves on Sunday.

The away end bellowed out Merino’s name on a day when impressive 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri shone brightest, twice hitting the woodwork before providing the cross for the headed opener.

Leandro Trossard, who had initially started through the middle, set up Merino’s second as Leicester’s rotten league run continued with an eighth defeat in nine matches.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men remain in the relegation zone after a game that saw protests against the club’s football leadership, with director of football Jon Rudkin the focus of fans’ ire.

‘Sack the board’ sung fans walking to the ground, where a banner questioning an internal review was unfurled was joined by further calls for Rudkin’s exit.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha acknowledged fans’ frustrations in his programme notes but called on them to back the side.

In truth, the atmosphere was flat beyond Arsenal’s impressive away support, who saw their side dominate first half possession without seriously threatening the hosts.

Declan Rice made some threatening runs from deep and