Reason Why Mikel Merino shouted at Riccardo Calafiori as Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal mentality change

This game seemed strangely similar for Arsenal. For the second time in three days, they found themselves 2-0 up without scarcely breaking a sweat in the first 45 minutes against a squad wearing blue.

Once again, they were unable to build a three-goal advantage that would have put the game away. This time, however, there was no simple way back into the game for their guests.

PSG are substantially superior to Leicester, and they gave Arsenal a run for their money in the second half. But the Gunners were keen to keep the drama to a minimal this time.

It’s a significant difference for Arsenal in Europe, not only from this weekend but also from previous season. Last year, they appeared to be an inexperienced team on the big stage. This time, they appear streetwise and are eager to prove it.

“I sensed something different yesterday as well in the way we were preparing for the game and how they wanted the level of focus,” Mikel Arteta remarked of his team following the win. “I believe they wanted to establish a statement tonight as well: against a top team at home, we can be ourselves while still being quite dominant. We have to keep doing it.”

After the game, Bukayo Saka stated that he believes Arsenal would win the Premier League championship this season. With such solid performances against top-tier opponents, it’s hard to blame him.

Merino debut

Mikel Merino’s departure from Real Sociedad appeared to take forever, so it was appropriate that we had to wait a bit longer for his debut. The Spaniard had the most bizarre of ailments during his first training session, but was ultimately able to make his debut on Tuesday night.

The first thing you notice about Merino when he walks onto the pitch is his stature. The man is a mountain. He appears to have a personality that matches. Within seconds after his presentation, the 28-year-old began giving Riccardo Calafiori instructions.

Merino is seen internally as a ‘win-now’ signing. He is confident in himself as a player and a person, which should help him come up to speed faster. Arteta surely believes he can.

“He had just one session with us [before tonight] and he was ready,” the Arsenal boss remarked of his summer acquisition. “He was enthusiastic about participating in today’s activities. With the injuries and changes that needed to be made, we felt he was a player who could help us at that time. “I think he did really well.”

Merino played with Rice in an old-school midfield combination as Arsenal switched to a 4-4-2 out of possession and slightly advanced when they had the ball. Merino may not have had the passing incision and technical security that Arsenal need from him just yet, but he demonstrated the one thing he is maybe most famed for: his skill in the duel.

Late on, there was a meaty sliding challenge that was appropriate for the stormy weather. The home audience praised the Spaniard’s physicality. A good start for the new man.

Havertz on top.

Kai Havertz is an unavoidable presence right now. The manner he scored on Saturday may have been fortunate, but his goal against PSG was entirely intentional.

Leandro Trossard’s rush up the pitch and cross-field timing were superb, but Havertz’s surging run and smart headed finish were even better. He now has six goals in a row at Emirates Stadium. Arteta was happy.

“So powerful, but also so intelligent,” the Spaniard remarked of his center forward. “The way he moves around the areas, the way he brings everything together. Now, when he’s around the box, you get a sense he’s going to score. The goal was fantastic, and the team performed admirably overall. So happy with him.”

Havertz appears to like the physical aspect of being a No.9. Previously, he appeared to be a player who was cautious to join in the battle. Now, by his own admission, things could not be more different.

“It feels great to play here,” the German stated. “I adore this stadium and the supporters, and I am grateful for the opportunity to play here and contribute to the club. Coming here was a major step for me. I wasn’t always a fan of duels, but I really enjoy them now.”

The highest praise we can give Havertz is that discussions regarding Arsenal’s need for a new striker appear to have ceased for the time being. The German looks to be the solution.