Five of Arsenal’s crosses came during the 69 minutes before Merino was on the pitch and only one of those was successful. That was because Declan Rice was able to get on the end of one, though, and not Trossard - who was playing as the No9 at that point.

He may not play up top every week but Mikel Arteta has stumbled upon a possible solution to Arsenal’s injury criris.

David Raya has suggested that Mikel Merino is unlikely to start up front for Arsenal despite his match-winning heroics off the bench last weekend. Injuries to several key attackers have left Mikel Arteta’s side bereft of options in the final third,