Mikel Merino describes bizarre Arsenal introduction as new signing reveals details of injury

Mikel Merino made his debut for Arsenal as the club swatted aside PSG in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. In one of the biggest roars of the evening from supporters, the Spaniard replaced Thomas Partey to help the Gunners see out the win and claim a valuable three points in the new revamped league phase of the competition.

Merino joined in the summer from Real Sociedad but was delayed in making his debut due to injury. To be thrown into a game of such magnitude at such a stage in the game where the away side were growing in attacking frequency was a trial by fire.

He passed it well, making some key challenges, defensive clearances and getting involved in the build-up in both half-spaces. Asked by football.london after the game what it was like to enter the game at this stage, he provided a clear description of the experience.

“It was tough, to be honest,” he said. “I think it was a really difficult moment to come in because them being 2-0 down, it was the time they were going to put everything on the table and go for us, risk a lot.

“Obviously, we had to sustain the lead and try to defend - be narrow, be close, be compact and I think we did an amazing job there. We could see the commitment of the team, the hard work that we put in and it was lovely to win my first game.”

There were moments when I held my breath as Merino went into some physical battles. Yet the 28-year-old looked determined to play unshackled by what had stopped him from performing.

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The manner of the injury was also so bizarre. Mikel Arteta explained that a collision between Gabriel Magalhaes and the summer signing caused a bone break and Merino provided the story behind the injury and its effects both positive and negative.

“It was such an unlucky moment,” he said. “If you see the action…it’s just…I mean…I haven’t seen an injury like this ever in my career.

“But, well, these are things that happen. Obviously, it was not the best timing, but at the same time I like to look at the pros, the bright side of it.

“This gave me a lot of time to think, to get to know my team-mates, to get to know the staff, to work on myself, the things that I need to do in terms of tactics, in terms of physicality and I think I am a much better player now than I was four weeks ago.”

He added: “Everybody here in the club was really nice to me, really lovely, you could feel the love and support of everybody. Obviously, that helped me a lot in the recovery and finally, I can say I am officially an Arsenal player now! I have made my debut and I am buzzing.”

Merino could make his first start for the club on Saturday when Southampton visit the Emirates Stadium. It will see a former player reunite with the team as Aaron Ramsdale will be expected to start having made the permanent switch to the south coast club on deadline day.