Mikel Merino was at the heart of a pulsating London derby, scoring the equaliser for Arsenal in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. The Spaniard had earlier been on the receiving end of a nasty challenge from Moises Caicedo, who received his marching orders after a VAR review.
After the game, Merino faced questions from Sky Sports. Here’s what, he had to say.
On a big battle…
On the one hand, we’re disappointed because we didn’t win. Obviously when you wear this shirt, you want to win every game. On the other hand, we know this is going to be a long season, this is a tough stadium to come and we take the point. We could have done things better, but I think the team showed a good mentality coming back.
On what the team could have done better…
We could have managed the game a bit better, understanding what they were trying to do, how they were pressing, the spaces that were free for us and trying to attack those in the first half when they were going man-to-man so aggressively. And then with 10 men, a little bit more patience with the ball. That doesn’t mean complacency and playing slow, but trying to find the wings and trying to elaborate a bit more there and crash the box with players and try to threaten a bit more. Still, they are a good side, and I feel the team did a good job today. We take the point and go to the next game.
On Caicedo’s red card and his subsequent injury…
I felt my ankle go all the way, but luckily, I have very mobile ankles and body. I wasn’t concerned about myself, but obviously it was a horrible challenge and I knew it was going to be a red card straightaway.
On whether he’s spoken to Caicedo…
No.
On scoring the equaliser…
It’s something we train every day, trying to position yourself in the right areas, trying to be on the blind side of the centre-backs so they cannot have your reference, and then attack the ball at the highest point possible. Obviously, when you train with each other every day, you know your strengths, you know your weaknesses, he [Saka] knows I’m always there, he crosses a fantastic ball, and I’m there to tap it in.
On a physical game…
This is the Premier League, this is a really strong league, every team is strong in every duel, and that’s why you see so many transitions. If you win a duel, a second action, you can get yourself attacking the box. Today, we weren’t at our best. We know when we’re at our best, we’re controlling the game a lot more. I think that’s why you saw so many transitions and changes of possession.
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